Des Moines Public Schools hired JG Consulting in 2022 to facilitate the leadership search, which led to the hiring of Roberts the following year. The district's complaint accused the search firm of breach of contract and negligence, and school board chair Jackie Norris said the focus is on recouping taxpayer dollars and addressing reputational damage. The Des Moines school board has said it was “a victim of deception” throughout his tenure. Federal authorities said Roberts had a final removal order that was issued last year, and an immigration judge denied a motion to reopen Roberts’ immigration case this April. The district said the full school board only saw a resume that was revised to indicate he had not completed his dissertation, which is necessary for the degree.