Des Moines Schools Sue Consultant Over Hired Super's Immigration Fraud
Des Moines Public Schools faces a scandal following the arrest of former superintendent Ian Roberts by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Roberts' attorney has filed a motion to halt his deportation, while the college board plans legal action against the consulting firm, JG Consulting, for failing to uncover his immigration status and resume discrepancies.
Roberts, who resigned after his detainment and license revocation, had not been legally authorized to work in the U.S. since 2020. His resume contained false information, including inflated educational credentials. The school board chair, Jackie Norris, stated that Roberts should not have been hired had they known about his immigration status. The district's petition against JG Consulting alleges a 'material breach' of contract for inadequate vetting of candidates.
In 2023, the Des Moines Public Schools hired JG Consulting to find a new superintendent. Despite being tasked with a thorough search, the firm failed to uncover crucial information about Roberts' immigration status. Roberts remains in federal custody, facing additional charges for alleged firearm offenses.
The school board's pursuit of legal action against JG Consulting aims to hold the firm accountable for its role in the hiring process. Meanwhile, Roberts' immigration status and legal battles continue, with his attorney filing a motion to stay his removal order. The incident has raised questions about the vetting process for high-level educational appointments.
