DUBUQUE, IA – On September 6, 2025, at approximately 6:00 PM, Michael Lawrence Fitzgerald, a 39-year-old white male, was arrested by the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office at 11144 52 S/Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, Iowa. The arrest followed an investigation leading to multiple charges related to drug offenses and parole violations.

Fitzgerald faces six charges, including two felonies and four misdemeanors:

1.  Controlled Substance Violation (Felony): This charge indicates Fitzgerald was involved in the unlawful handling, distribution, or possession of a controlled substance.

2.  Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drug (Misdemeanor): Fitzgerald is accused of possessing prescription medication without a valid prescription.

3.  Possession of Controlled Substance – Marijuana, 1st Offense (Misdemeanor): He was charged with possessing marijuana, marking his first offense for this specific violation.

4.  Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor): Authorities found Fitzgerald in possession of items used to consume, store, or distribute illegal drugs.

5.  Voluntary Absence from Custody (Misdemeanor): Fitzgerald is alleged to have absconded from a custodial arrangement, specifically from a supervised release or similar custody status overseen by the Iowa Department of Corrections or a related facility in Dubuque County.

6.  Parole Violation, New Evidence (Felony): New evidence presented to authorities indicated Fitzgerald violated the terms of his parole, stemming from prior convictions.

The charge of voluntary absence from custody suggests Fitzgerald failed to comply with the conditions of his supervised release, likely leaving a designated area or failing to report to authorities as required. While specific details about the custodial arrangement—such as whether it was a halfway house, work release program, or another supervised setting—are not fully disclosed, this charge typically involves an individual under correctional supervision who absents themselves without permission.

Fitzgerald’s prior legal history includes arrests in Dubuque County for charges such as probation violation (November 2023), failure to appear (December 2022), and theft (April 2025), indicating a pattern of legal issues. The current charges, particularly the felonies, could lead to significant penalties, including potential imprisonment, depending on the severity of the controlled substance violation and the nature of the parole violation.

Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances of the arrest or the specific evidence leading to the charges. Fitzgerald is currently in custody at the Dubuque County Jail, awaiting further court proceedings.

: All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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