Iowa’s biggest school district has taken legal action against the consulting firm it hired to find candidates for the superintendent role. This lawsuit, filed on Friday, accuses the firm of not thoroughly investigating a candidate’s background. The educator in question was detained by immigration authorities recently, and concerns about his past accomplishments are growing.
U.S. immigration officials revealed that Ian Roberts, who hails from Guyana, was in the United States without legal authorization and lacked the necessary work permits. On Thursday, federal authorities charged Roberts with possessing four firearms illegally while being in the country. One of these firearms was allegedly found wrapped in a towel inside the Jeep Cherokee he was driving when authorities stopped him, as stated in court documents.
Justice Department records indicate that Roberts applied for permanent resident status three times, but each application was denied. The department claims that Roberts has not been authorized to work in the U.S. since 2020 and that there is an order for his deportation in May 2024.
He is also facing accusations of fabricating past distinctions.
Roberts’ official resume claims he was named George Washington University’s 2013 “Washington, D.C. principal of the year” at Anacostia High School.
The university, however, denied that claim in a statement to .
“The university has no record of awarding such recognition to D.C. principals, and did not present this award.”
Roberts also claimed he completed programs at Morgan State University in Baltimore.
“Ian Roberts did not receive any degree or certificate from Morgan State University,” the school’s office of public relations told .
Roberts left his last position at Mill Creek High Township in Pennsylvania amid several sexual discrimination lawsuits for the position in Iowa.
During his time in Mill Creek, the school board raised questions about his doctorate, according to minutes of their board meetings obtained by .
“Dr. Roberts lacked the educational certificate from his educational facilities that he obtained his doctorate,” according to those notes.
According to Roberts’ attorney, his client studied at an “international school,” specifically identifying it as Trident International, which is an online university located in Chandler, Arizona.
Roberts will remain detained in federal custody pending further proceedings.
