Guyana: Guyana-born Former School Superintendent Sentenced in the U.S.

Ian Roberts, a former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS), has been sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to federal immigration and weapons charges. Roberts, who was born in Guyana, served as the first Black superintendent at DMPS, leading the state’s largest school district from July 2023 until his resignation in October following his arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.

As part of a plea deal with prosecutors, Roberts admitted to providing false information regarding his citizenship status when he was hired by the school district. At the time of his employment, he did not have authorization to work in the United States. In 2024, a judge issued an order for his removal from the country.

In addition to immigration charges, Roberts pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm without legal status in the U.S. Following his arrest, investigators discovered four firearms in his car and home, including a loaded handgun located in his district-issued vehicle.

Roberts will receive credit for the time he has already spent in custody, which his attorney indicated could amount to approximately nine months by the time he is transported. Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger has recommended that Roberts be sent to a facility that would expedite his deportation upon the completion of his sentence.

As a native of Guyana, Roberts is expected to be deported to the South American country following his prison term. U.S. Attorney David Waterman had recommended a prison sentence of 37 months, while Roberts’ defense attorneys sought probation instead.

Source: demerarawaves.com