Dubuque, IA – February 13, 2026

Taras-Michael Butrie, 25 (White/Male), was arrested February 12, 2026, in Cedar Rapids and booked into Dubuque County Jail on charges stemming from alleged criminal conduct in Dubuque, Iowa.

Case: State of Iowa vs. Butrie, Taras Michael

Docket: 01311 FECR163063 (Dubuque County)

Charges & Bond (all Awaiting Court):

•  Dissemination and Exhibition of Obscene Materials to Minors – Bond $0

•  Grooming – Bond $0

•  Enticing a Minor Under 16 – Sexual Purpose – Cash Bond $25,000

Total Bond: $25,000 cash

Key Timeline:

•  Feb 11: Criminal complaint filed & arrest warrant issued by Judge Thomas A. Bitter (Dubuque Police Department)

•  Feb 12: Arrest in Cedar Rapids at 455 16th Ave SE by Officer M.A. Levin; booked into Dubuque County Jail

•  Feb 13: Warrant served; Butrie applied for counsel (Joshua Ryan Sims appointed); pre-trial release evaluation completed; discovery order issued by Judge Kellyann M. Lekar

The Dubuque jurisdiction indicates the alleged offenses—dissemination of obscene materials, grooming, and enticement—occurred in Dubuque, despite the arrest location in Linn County (~80 miles away). This is common in digital or victim-centered cases where venue follows the location of the crime or its primary impact.

Penalties (Iowa Code):

•  Enticement (§ 710.10A): Class “C” felony, up to 10 years prison

•  Grooming: Felony, significant prison time

•  Obscene materials to minors (§ 728.2): Serious misdemeanor (first offense), possible escalation

Butrie remains in custody with no release recorded. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The Dubuque Police Department leads the investigation; contact them with information.

This case reflects ongoing priorities in Iowa to address online and digital exploitation of minors, often involving cross-county coordination.

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