Iowa’s Most Wanted Fugitives on the Run Now — January 2025
Iowa's state motto, “Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain,” is a guiding principle that reflects the state's dedication to protecting the freedoms and rights of its citizens. This motto, visible on the state flag, signifies Iowa's resolve to uphold and defend these values through its laws and law enforcement efforts, aimed at maintaining public peace and safety.
The Iowa Sex Offender Registry
The Iowa Sex Offender Registry, established on July 1st, 1995, under Chapter 692A of the Iowa Code, is a crucial tool for public safety. It functions both as a deterrent to potential offenders and a means to protect the citizens of Iowa. If you suspect a crime has been or may be committed, contact local law enforcement immediately.
United States Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) hold a press conference to introduce legislation that would establish a national sex-offender database that the public could access over the Internet April 14, 2005 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. The legislation, called "Dru's Law," is named after Dru Sjodin, a North Dakota woman who was abducted from a Grand Forks mall in November 2003 and found murdered six months later in a ditch. According to the Senators' press release, the man accused of the crime, Alfonso Rodriguez, Jr. had served a 23-year prison term as a violent sexual offender in Minnesota and had been released from prison even though he was rated "high risk" for re-offending.
Legal Framework
Under Iowa Code chapter 692A, individuals convicted or adjudicated of crimes against minors, sexual exploitation, or sexually violent crimes are required to register as sex offenders if they were on probation, parole, work release, or incarcerated on or after July 1, 1995. This also includes individuals with deferred sentences or judgments and those convicted of qualifying offenses from other jurisdictions.
Offenders are placed on Tier systems. Tier levels are based solely on the offense or offenses for which a person is currently registered. They are only used to establish how many times each year a registered sex offender is required to report in person to their Sheriff’s Office to verify registration information.
- Tier I offenders are required to verify their information every year;
- Tier II offenders are required to verify their information every six months;
- Tier III offenders are required to verify their information every three months.
A person’s tier level does not have an effect on whether the person is subject to the 2,000-foot law, how long they are required to register, or any other element of sex offender registration. It is only used to determine how often the person must update their registration.
Iowa's Current Top 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders
10) Dakota Ray
Dakota has a Tier 3 restriction based on a conviction of sexual abuse in the 3rd degree and a lascivious act of solicitation on a female between the ages of 0-13. His last registered residence was in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on 11/05/2024.
9) Duane Belt
Duane has a Tier 3 restriction based on a non-Iowa conviction of Criminal sex conduct in the 4th degree on mentally impaired and Criminal sex conduct 2nd degree on a female between the ages of 0-13. His last registered residence was in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on 11/14/2024.
8) Cola Castleberry
Cola has a Tier 1 restriction based on a conviction of sexual abuse 2nd degree on a female between the ages of 0-13. His last registered residence was in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on 11/15/2024.
7) Dosselle Carter
Cater has a Tier 2 restriction based on a conviction of sexual exploitation of a minor. His last registered residence was in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on 12/04/2024.
6) Angel Alaniz
Cater has a Tier 1 restriction based on a non-Iowa conviction of sexual assault of a child on a female aged 14-17. His last registered residence was in Marshalltown, Iowa on 12/04/2024.
5) Tyler Pierce
Tyler has a Tier 3 restriction based on a conviction of indecent contact with a child, a female between the ages of 0-13. His last registered residence was in West Union, Iowa on 12/03/2024.
4) Gerald Busch
Gerald has a Tier 3 restriction based on a two seperate convictions of sexual abuse in the 3rd degree, one on a female between the ages of 0-13. His last registered residence was in Sioux City, Iowa on 09/08/2024.
3) Rick Tuthill, JR
Rick has a Tier 3 restriction based on a conviction of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse on a female between the ages of 0-13. His last registered residence was in Dubuque, Iowa on 11/11/2024.
2) Joseph Boyd
Joseph has a Tier 1 restriction based on a non-Iowa conviction of aggravated criminal sexual abuse on a female aged 14-17. His last registered residence was in Davenport, Iowa on 09/27/2024.
1) Zachariah Harland
Zachariah has a Tier 1 restriction based on a conviction of sexual abuse in the 3rd degree of a female aged 14-17. His last registered residence was in Ottumwa, Iowa on 01/01/2025.
Again, in regard to Iowa's Sexual Offender list, there are currently 6,838 total registrants listed for Iowa. The registrants of the "Most Wanted" Section are considered absconders and are in non-compliance status with local jurisdictions. Do not attempt to apprehend this offender yourself. Report any information to DPS or your local law enforcement.
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Gallery Credit: Isabel Sepulveda
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