ERIE, Pa (WJET/WFXP)– Preserve all evidence in anticipation of a lawsuit, that was the message at Monday night’s Millcreek Township School Board meeting after the district learned its former superintendent was not only in the country illegally, but he also had a criminal past and may have lied about his credentials.

The Millcreek School Board voted Monday night to consider what, if any, legal action can be taken against Ian Roberts, as well as the search firm that recommended Roberts for the district’s top job.

Following the arrest of former Millcreek Township School District superintendent Ian Roberts by ICE agents in Des Moines, Iowa, the school board on Monday addressed concerns from the community as to why someone with a criminal history was hired.

“I want to hear from them that they did not do their job. I’m sure I voted for some of them, and I want to hear from them specifically,” Wes Palmer, a Millcreek resident, said.

Monday night, the board held a meeting to discuss the possibility of taking legal action against Roberts and Ray and Associates, the search firm the district paid to find and vet superintendent candidates, including Roberts.

“We are trying to hold them accountable. Even though they hired a firm…they are the ones that decide whether or not to hire somebody,” said Keith Canfield, another Millcreek resident.

Millcreek residents took the opportunity to share their frustrations with board members over the 2020 hiring of Roberts.

In a statement read Monday night by the board president, board members said they were appalled by Roberts’ lies and stressed Roberts betrayed the trust of several organizations, not just the Millcreek School District.

The statement also addressed Ray and Associates, saying the search firm violated its contract by not providing an accurate FBI background check on Roberts.

“I’m looking for, again, accountability. Not just pointing fingers at the hiring firm, but what kind of responsibility and due diligence did the board take?” “At the time it seemed like it was a positive hire, but again I think there are some concerns with the fact that lack of trust,” Palmer went on to say.

The board remains adamant that Roberts turned in all documents required by the district for hiring. However, they feel they were taken advantage of and misled.

After Monday night, the Millcreek Township School Board and the district’s attorney will begin exploring their legal options.