Roberts is set to be sentenced Friday, May 29.
DES MOINES, Iowa — Ahead of former Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts’ sentencing on Friday, May 29, his defense team recommended probation as opposed to the prosecution’s suggestion of three years behind bars.
Roberts, a native of Guyana in South America, has been federally charged with providing a false statement of employment and possessing firearms as an illegal immigrant. He pleaded guilty to both counts in January.Â
According to an unsealed sentencing brief, his defense lawyers argue his likely deportation will be harsh enough punishment and result in a “significant amount of time in ICE detention while awaiting his removal from the United States.”
Citing the frequency of deportation flights to Guyana, the defense estimated around six months or longer in immigration custody.
The brief also lays out the Roberts timeline coming to the U.S., stating it occurred due to his life being in danger because of his work in the Guyana Police Force.
While pointing to his career successes in education and impact on Des Moines as a whole, Roberts’ representation ultimately admitted in the brief that he made many critical mistakes related to his immigration status. The court filing included over 50 letters of support from community members, leaders and educators.
