DUBUQUE, Iowa — Brandon Robert Maker, 28, was arrested Monday afternoon on two Class “C” felony charges of third-degree sexual abuse.

According to arrest records, Maker was taken into custody at 4:41 p.m. on April 27, 2026, at 250 Mercy Drive — the address of MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center. The arresting officer was identified as A.N. Hoffmann.

The charges are:

•  Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree — Forcible Rape: Alleging a sex act performed by force or against the will of the victim (Iowa Code §709.4(1)(a)).

•  Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree — Child Victim, Person Four or More Years Older: Alleging a sex act with a 14- or 15-year-old victim where the suspect is at least four years older and the parties are not married or cohabiting as spouses.

Each count carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine between $1,370 and $13,660, plus lifetime sex offender registration upon conviction. Maker is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

No additional details about the alleged incidents — including the date, location of the offenses, victim’s exact age, or any relationship to Maker — were released publicly as of Monday evening. Sexual abuse cases involving minors typically involve strict victim privacy protections.

Iowa Law Context

Under Iowa Code Chapter 709, third-degree sexual abuse covers non-consensual sex acts by force or specific statutory prohibitions, such as age-gap situations with young teens. These provisions address power imbalances while distinguishing from more severe first- or second-degree charges.

The case remains under investigation. Further information may emerge through court proceedings in Dubuque County.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dubuque police. Support resources for survivors include the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE or local Iowa victim services.