Dubuque, Iowa — A 55-year-old Dubuque resident was taken into custody Saturday afternoon on serious charges including third-degree sexual abuse involving forcible fondling and possession of a controlled substance, according to local law enforcement records. 

Aaron Anthony Roach, described as a Black male, faces felony counts of Sexual Abuse 3rd Degree (2nd or Subsequent Offense – Forcible Fondling) alongside a misdemeanor charge of Drug Possession of a Controlled Substance.  The arrest occurred at approximately 2:14 p.m. at 1248 Iowa St., a North End address housing a convenience store known as Dubuque Tobacco & Grocery,

Dubuque police have not released additional details about the circumstances leading to the arrest, such as the nature of the alleged sexual abuse incident or the specific controlled substance involved. The charge of third-degree sexual abuse typically involves non-consensual sexual contact, and the “2nd or subsequent” designation suggests Roach may have prior convictions for similar offenses, though court records were not immediately available to confirm.

Roach was booked into the Dubuque Law Enforcement Center following the arreston a $53,500 cash bond. He is scheduled to appear in Dubuque County District Court, but no initial court date has been set as of Saturday evening.