The Ian Roberts case has moved into a serious new stage before sentencing. Federal prosecutors are asking for a 37-month prison sentence for the former Des Moines Public Schools superintendent, according to reports on the sentencing memorandum filed ahead of his May 29, 2026, hearing.
The request is not the final sentence. That decision belongs to the federal judge, but the memo shows how strongly prosecutors view the case.
Prosecutors Want 37 Months in Prison
The government’s sentencing memo asks the court to give Roberts a sentence at the top of the guideline range. KCRG reported that the guideline range was calculated at 30 to 37 months, with prosecutors asking for the full 37 months.
The memo points to two main issues: Roberts’ false claim of U.S. citizenship and his unlawful possession of firearms.
This recommendation matters because sentencing memos are written to help the judge understand why each side believes a certain punishment is fair.
Prosecutors are not only looking at the charges on paper. They are also asking the court to weigh the length of the conduct, the public trust involved, and the facts Roberts admitted in his plea.
What Roberts Admitted in Court
Roberts pleaded guilty in January 2026 to making a false statement for employment and being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Roberts falsely stated that he was a U.S. citizen on employment paperwork tied to his Des Moines Public Schools job in June 2023. DOJ also said Roberts was not, and has never been, a U.S. citizen.
The firearms charge came from what federal authorities said they found on September 26, 2025. DOJ said Roberts knowingly possessed a loaded Glock pistol in his vehicle while knowing he was unlawfully present in the United States.
Authorities also said three more firearms were found at his residence: a loaded pistol, a loaded rifle, and a shotgun.
Why the Memo Focuses on Trust
The case has drawn wide attention because Roberts was not a low-profile employee. He led Iowa’s largest school district, a role that depends heavily on public trust.
Prosecutors, according to local reports, argued that his conduct lasted for more than 15 years and that a lower sentence would not match the seriousness of the crimes.
That part of the memo is important because federal sentencing is not just about the maximum penalty. Judges also look at the nature of the offense, the person’s history, the need for deterrence, and whether the sentence reflects the seriousness of the conduct.
The Maximum Sentence Is Much Higher
Roberts faces a much higher legal maximum than the sentence prosecutors are recommending. DOJ said the firearm charge carries up to 15 years in prison, while the false statement charge carries up to five years. Together, the two counts carry a maximum possible sentence of 20 years.
Still, the recommended 37 months comes from the sentencing guideline calculation reported in the memo. Guidelines are not the same as the maximum sentence. They help set a range, but the judge can consider other legal factors before making the final decision.
What Happens at the May 29 Hearing
Roberts is scheduled to be sentenced on May 29, 2026. DOJ has said a federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The hearing will decide how much prison time Roberts receives, if any, beyond the time already served. Court records and prior reporting also indicate he could face removal from the United States after serving his sentence.
Iowa Public Radio reported that Roberts’ plea agreement said he could be subject to immediate removal after his sentence and that the firearm charge may affect future immigration consequences.
Conclusion
The sentencing memo does not close the case, but it gives a clear view of the government’s position.
Prosecutors want the judge to see the case as more than a paperwork violation. They are presenting it as a long-running breach of federal law involving employment status, public responsibility, and firearms.
For now, the key number is 37 months. The key date is May 29. The final answer will come from the court.
