Judge Rules Fired DMPS Secretary Can Collect Unemployment After Passport Photo Dispute
A former Des Moines Public Schools secretary who was fired for allegedly photographing a principal's passport and work authorization records is entitled to unemployment benefits, an administrative law judge has ruled.
Laura Shockley worked for the district from September 2025 until her termination in May 2026. The case has drawn attention amid heightened scrutiny of immigration documentation in Iowa schools following the arrest of former DMPS Superintendent Ian Roberts on federal immigration charges.
What happened at Lincoln High School?
According to Administrative Law Judge Stephanie Adkisson's July 17 ruling, a coworker reported on May 6, 2026, that Shockley had photographs on her personal cellphone of documents belonging to Lincoln High School Principal Praveen Bannikatti. The documents included Bannikatti's I-9 employment eligibility form and his passport.
The complaining employee said Shockley showed the photos to another district employee and discussed the documents. Shockley denied the allegations when confronted by district officials.
Why was Shockley fired?
District officials placed Shockley on administrative leave after the initial complaint. They interviewed the coworker who reported the incident and another employee who claimed to have seen the photos.
On May 21, district officials interviewed Shockley about sharing confidential personnel information and running personal errands during work hours. Shockley denied both allegations.
The district concluded Shockley was not truthful and could not be trusted with confidential information. After Shockley declined an opportunity to resign, she was fired.
What did the judge decide?
Judge Adkisson ruled Shockley eligible for unemployment benefits, finding her version of events more credible than the district's. The judge noted the district provided no written investigatory documents or decision-making records related to the allegations or termination.
The district relied on witnesses with second-hand information and did not make the witnesses who allegedly saw the photos available for the hearing. Shockley credibly testified she did not have the photos, the judge wrote.
How does this connect to the former superintendent's case?
The case comes months after former DMPS Superintendent Ian Roberts was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for being in the United States without legal work authorization. Roberts is now serving a two-year prison sentence on immigration and firearms charges, a case that drew national media attention.
Shockley's attorney argued during the hearing that district officials had previously met with her accusers due to concerns they were not treating Shockley with respect. One coworker had allegedly been passed over for a promotion that went to Shockley.
What does this mean for Iowa taxpayers?
The ruling means Shockley can collect unemployment benefits paid into by Iowa employers, including the school district. The case raises questions about how DMPS handles personnel investigations and documentation, particularly amid ongoing concerns about immigration status verification in Iowa schools.
The Iowa Capital Dispatch could not reach Shockley, Bannikatti, or district communications staff for comment.