DUBUQUE, Iowa — A 46-year-old Dubuque man was arrested Monday morning on a felony charge of violating pretrial supervision conditions in connection with a third-or-subsequent-offense controlled substance possession case, according to Dubuque County court records. 

Matthew John Gordon (White male, 46) was taken into custody at approximately 10:24 a.m. on April 13, 2026, at 770 Iowa Street in Dubuque—the location of the Dubuque Law Enforcement Center, which houses the Dubuque Police Department, Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, and county jail. The arrest was made by Officer T. Collins on the charge of Pretrial Supervision Violation (felony). 

Original Charge and Case Background

Gordon is the defendant in State of Iowa v. Gordon, Matthew John, Case No. 01311 FECR163195, filed in Dubuque County District Court. The underlying charge is Possession of a Controlled Substance — 3rd or Subsequent Offense, in violation of Iowa Code § 124.401(5). The alleged offense occurred on February 19, 2026. 

Under Iowa law, simple possession of a controlled substance (other than marijuana in certain circumstances) is a serious misdemeanor for a first offense. A second offense escalates to an aggravated misdemeanor. A third or subsequent offense is a Class D felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of $1,025 to $10,245 (plus applicable surcharges).  The statute requires proof that the person knowingly or intentionally possessed the substance without a valid prescription or other legal authorization. 

Court Proceedings to Date

Court records show the following key docket entries:

•  March 26, 2026 — Judge Thomas A. Bitter issued an Order to Issue Public/Bench Warrant (D0017), with a copy directed to the sheriff.

•  March 30, 2026 — Judge Michael J. Shubatt issued an Order of Arraignment (D0019), scheduling a pretrial conference (PTC) for May 18, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. and a jury trial for May 26, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

•  Undated (filed prior to recent events) — Written Arraignment and Plea of Not Guilty (D0016), referencing AR 2026000987 and pretrial supervision. 

Gordon remains in custody following the Monday arrest. No bond information or next hearing date on the supervision violation was listed