Ex-Des Moines Superintendent Charged Over Firearms

Former Des Moines Public Schools superintendent Ian Roberts, 54, was detained by ICE after fleeing a Sept. 26 traffic stop and has been taken into federal custody and charged with possessing firearms while unlawfully present in the United States. A criminal complaint says investigators found four firearms — including a loaded handgun wrapped under the driver’s seat — and during a search of his Des Moines home located a pistol under a living-room cushion, a loaded rifle in a closet and a shotgun behind a headboard, along with magazines, ammunition, $3,000 in cash and a fixed-blade knife; one gun was traced to a purchase by a woman believed to be his spouse. Federal authorities say Roberts, a Guyana native who was hired as DMPS superintendent in July 2023, had a final removal order issued in 2024 and lacked lawful work authorization; Iowa revoked his educator license and the district accepted his resignation. DHS has referred the matter to the ATF to investigate how the weapons were obtained, and Roberts remains detained pending further proceedings. His attorney says he will plead not guilty and will seek to reopen his immigration case. Local officials and education leaders say the case is prompting scrutiny of hiring and work‑authorization checks, including consideration of E‑Verify and background‑check processes.