Ex-Des Moines Superintendent Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison
The sentence follows his guilty plea for false citizenship claims plus illegal firearms possession and sets up likely deportation after he serves his term.
Overview
- U.S. District Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger imposed a 24-month federal prison sentence on Friday, May 29, after rejecting defense requests for probation.
- Roberts pleaded guilty in January to falsely claiming U.S. citizenship on employment paperwork and admitted possessing four firearms, including a loaded Glock found in a school-issued vehicle.
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Roberts on Sept. 26, 2025 after agents said he sped away in a school vehicle and a search found a wrapped loaded handgun and about $3,000 in cash.
- A district audit found he awarded business to a consulting firm he had worked with previously, prompting Des Moines Public Schools to review hiring vetting and conflict-of-interest controls.
- Roberts, who was subject to earlier immigration proceedings and a 2024 final order of removal, is expected to be deported to Guyana after completing his prison sentence though removal timing may depend on logistics.