Dubuque, Iowa — Cody Allen Richey, a 35-year-old Dubuque resident with a documented history of local legal issues, was arrested Sunday evening on a felony charge of Possession of a Weapon in a Correctional Institution. 

According to arrest details, Richey was taken into custody at approximately 7:50 p.m. on May 17, 2026, at the Dubuque Law Enforcement Center, located at 770 Iowa Street. The facility houses the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office and jail operations. Deputy L. Baal is listed in connection with the arrest. 

Iowa law strictly prohibits the possession of contraband, including weapons, by individuals confined in correctional or detention facilities. Violations of this nature are typically treated as serious felonies due to the heightened risks to staff, inmates, and institutional security. Details regarding the specific type of weapon allegedly involved, how it was discovered, or any additional circumstances have not been publicly released as of this reporting. 

Richey has faced multiple prior encounters with law enforcement in the Dubuque area in recent months. In February 2026, he was arrested following a domestic disturbance where authorities alleged he held a gun to a woman’s head, strangled her, and kicked her in the face. That incident involved a weapon reportedly stolen from a Dubuque County cabin. 

Subsequent charges in early March 2026 included trafficking in a stolen weapon, contributing to a combined cash bond amount reported as high as $100,000 at one point. Court records and local reporting indicate ongoing involvement with the Dubuque County justice system. 

The case is expected to proceed through Iowa District Court in Dubuque County. Updates will depend on formal charging documents, preliminary hearings, and any plea developments. As with all individuals, Richey is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.