PEOSTA, Iowa — March 20, 2026 — A Peosta man previously accused in a 2025 teen sexual‑abuse investigation has been arrested again, this time on multiple new felony charges involving the alleged rape and exploitation of a minor, according to Dubuque County arrest records.

Brandon Daniel Florence, 20, was taken into custody late Friday morning at a residence on Cedar Ridge Court. The arrest occurred around 11:22 a.m. and was carried out by personnel from the Dubuque Law Enforcement Center. Florence is being held without bond and is awaiting an initial appearance in Dubuque County District Court under case number FECR163512.

New Charges Filed in 2026 Case

Court records list five charges stemming from the same incident:

• Second‑Degree Sexual Abuse — Forcible Rape (Class B felony): Accuses Florence of committing a sex act through force or against the victim’s will.
• Third‑Degree Sexual Abuse — Child Victim, Four‑Year Age Gap (Class C felony): Applies when the accused is at least four years older than the minor.
• Sexual Exploitation of a Minor — Causing a Minor to Engage in a Sex Act (Two Counts, Class B felonies): Often associated with coercion or production of sexually explicit material.
• Possession or Purchase of Depictions of a Minor in a Sex Act (Class D felony or misdemeanor depending on circumstances): Relates to child sexual abuse material.

All but one of the charges are felonies that carry lengthy prison terms — up to 25 years for the most serious offenses — along with mandatory lifetime sex‑offender registration if convicted. Authorities have not released information about the victim, citing Iowa laws protecting minors in sexual‑abuse cases.

Connection to 2025 Buchanan County Case

Florence’s arrest comes roughly 18 months after he was charged in Buchanan County following an Independence Police Department investigation. In that case, filed in August 2025, Florence was accused of having repeated sexual contact with a 14‑year‑old girl over several months. He faced 19 charges, including sexual exploitation of a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

According to earlier reports, Florence admitted during interviews that he continued the relationship after learning the girl’s age in March 2025. Bond in that case was set at $50,000 in some proceedings.

Iowa law treats sexual offenses involving minors with escalating penalties depending on force, age differences, and exploitation.

• Second‑degree sexual abuse is considered a violent felony requiring proof of force or coercion.
• Third‑degree sexual abuse focuses on the age gap and the minor’s inability to consent.
• Exploitation charges often involve digital communication, coercion, or production of explicit content.
• CSAM possession is prosecuted aggressively, with even a single image qualifying as a felony.

Florence’s no‑bond status is typical in cases where courts determine a high risk to public safety. His initial appearance will include a review of probable cause and scheduling of future hearings.

The arrest has drawn attention in Peosta, a community of about 1,700 residents where major felony cases are uncommon. Local officials often balance transparency with the need to protect victims and prevent community retaliation.

Florence is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Future court filings will clarify whether prosecutors intend to pursue consecutive sentences or enhancements based on prior conduct. Updates will be available through Iowa Courts Online as hearings are scheduled.

Law enforcement has not issued a public statement as of Friday afternoon. Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office.

---