The Des Moines Public School District has reached a settlement in a lawsuit against JG Consulting, the firm that helped hire former superintendent Ian Roberts.
Court documents filed in KCCI show the legal dispute has ended, though terms remain undisclosed.
The district sued the Texas-based firm for negligence and breach of contract in September 2025, shortly after federal immigration authorities arrested Roberts. Investigators later revealed Roberts lacked legal authorization to work in the United States. JG Consulting filed a countersuit accusing the district of defamation before both sides agreed to resolve the matter.
Blame Placed on Former Superintendent
JG Consulting CEO James Guerra said all parties now agree that fault lies with the former superintendent, according to Radio Iowa. Not one of us, as an entity, whether its my firm, the school district, or the other third party, is responsible. So all blame is being shifted to Mr. Roberts,
Guerra stated.
Guerra added that the agreement is still being finalized. All parties have agreed that the criminal actions of Mr. Roberts are for him to own,
he told Radio Iowa.
JG Consulting Was Selected to Find a Superintendent Successor
Des Moines Public Schools hired JG Consulting in 2023 to find a successor for former superintendent Tom Ahart. The board selected the Texas firm over 10 competing bidders due to its lower cost estimate of $40,000 and experience with urban districts, KCCI reported.
A district-initiated review by a local law firm later found discrepancies in candidate resumes provided by the search firm. Materials given to the school board showed Roberts held a doctorate from Morgan State University, while the hard copy he brought to his first interview listed “ABD,” meaning all coursework was completed without a finished dissertation. The review concluded the Morgan State transcript was likely forged.
Roberts Received a Two Year Prison Sentence
Roberts, a native of Guyana, pleaded guilty to lying on employment paperwork and possessing firearms without legal status. A federal judge sentenced him to two years in prison.
Federal authorities are expected to deport Roberts to Guyana after he finishes his prison sentence.
Settlement Details Remain Unresolved
Court filings submitted on Monday notify the court of the settlement agreement. The documents do not list financial terms or specific conditions of the resolution.
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