Dubuque IA – Cody Michael Schmidt, 28, will spend the next decade in state prison after pleading guilty to third-degree sexual abuse of child under 16.

The Dubuque man admitted in Dubuque County District Court on October 13, 2025, that he committed a sex act on the victim on January 28, 2024. At least four years older than the child, Schmidt met the felony threshold under Iowa Code 709.4.

As part of a negotiated plea, he also pleaded guilty to harboring a runaway child, an aggravated misdemeanor. He received a concurrent two-year term.

Two additional Class D felony charges—enticing a minor under 16 for sexual purposes and prostitution—were dismissed.

Sentence Details:

•  10 years in prison (sexual abuse)

•  2 years concurrent (harboring runaway)

•  $1,370 fine + $1,370 suspended

•  $855 fine + $855 suspended (misdemeanor)

•  Lifetime sex offender registration

•  10-year special parole upon release

•  DNA sample required

Judge Monica L. Zrinyi Ackley imposed the sentence, noting the need to protect vulnerable children. Schmidt, represented by a public defender, offered no statement.

The case began when a runaway report led police to Schmidt’s home, where evidence of abuse surfaced. The victim’s identity remains sealed.

Schmidt received credit for time served and was taken into custody immediately. He will serve his sentence at an Iowa Department of Corrections facility and appear on the state sex offender registry.

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