Dubuque, Iowa — A 26-year-old local man was arrested Tuesday on at least nine Class D felony counts involving the purchase or possession of depictions of minors engaged in sex acts, according to Dubuque County court records.

Louis Michael Frommelt was taken into custody around 2:00 p.m. on April 28, 2026, at 290 York Street in Dubuque. The arrest (AR 2024007783) was carried out by the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Department following an investigation by the Dubuque Police Department.

Charges

Frommelt faces multiple identical counts of Purchase/Possess Depiction of Minor in Sex Act, 1st Offense, all classified as Class D felonies under Iowa law. The alleged offenses are dated primarily September 20, 2024, with one count dated September 19, 2024.

These charges are split across two related cases:

•  Case FECR163936

•  Case FECR163937

Each count carries the potential for significant penalties, including up to five years in prison per felony and substantial fines. Iowa prosecutors often file separate charges for each distinct image or video when multiple items are involved, reflecting the seriousness with which the state views offenses that contribute to the demand for child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Court Timeline and Bond Details

•  April 24, 2026: Dubuque Police Department filed multiple criminal complaints. Judge Robert J. Richter signed an order to issue an arrest warrant the same day.

•  April 28, 2026: The arrest warrant was served. Frommelt was arrested and booked.

•  April 28, 2026: Bail was formally set at $25,000 cash for the defendant.

•  April 28, 2026: A cash bond of $25,000 was posted. Bond notices were entered into both cases.

Attorney Joshua Ryan Sims filed an appearance on behalf of Frommelt in Case FECR163937.

The rapid sequence — complaint and warrant on April 24, followed by arrest, bail setting, and bond posting all on the same day (April 28) — indicates that authorities had located Frommelt quickly once the warrant was active.

Legal Context

Under Iowa Code Chapter 728, it is a serious crime to knowingly purchase or possess any visual depiction (including photos, videos, or digital images) of a minor under the age of 18 engaged in a prohibited sexual act or the simulation of such an act. “Visual depiction” is broadly interpreted and can include altered or computer-generated images that appear to depict a minor.

Class D felonies in Iowa are punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,250 per count. Because multiple counts are involved, Frommelt could face consecutive or concurrent sentencing depending on how the court handles the cases. Convictions often also require sex offender registration and long-term supervision upon release.

These types of cases frequently involve digital forensic analysis of computers, phones, or cloud storage to identify and document the prohibited material. Law enforcement agencies in Iowa, including the Dubuque Police Department, routinely work with federal partners when large volumes of material or interstate distribution are suspected, though this case currently appears to be prosecuted at the state level.

Important Note

Louis Michael Frommelt is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The cases remain pending in the Iowa District Court for Dubuque County. No trial date has been set at this time, and additional details may become available as the proceedings continue.

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