Dubuque, Iowa — Tonya Kay Anderson, 54, was arrested Friday, May 22, 2026, at 11:08 a.m. at the Dubuque Law Enforcement Center on two distinct first-degree motor vehicle theft cases.

Anderson faces the following separate prosecutions in Dubuque County District Court:

Case 1: STATE OF IOWA vs. ANDERSON, TONYA KAY

Case No.: 01311 FECR164095

•  Complaint filed: May 8, 2026 (Dubuque Police)

•  Warrant issued: May 11, 2026 (Judge Robert J. Richter)

•  Arrested: May 22, 2026

•  Application for court-appointed counsel filed: May 22, 2026

Case 2: STATE OF IOWA vs. ANDERSON, TONYA KAY

Case No.: 01311 FECR164012

•  Complaint filed: May 1, 2026 (Dubuque Police)

•  Warrant issued: May 5, 2026 (Judge Robert J. Richter)

•  Arrested: May 22, 2026

•  Application for court-appointed counsel filed: May 22, 2026

The cases, previously referenced under booking number 2026002736, involve separate incidents based on their independent filing and warrant dates. Specific details about the vehicles, theft locations, or victims have not been released.

Current Court Status

Both cases are active in the 1st Judicial District. No bond amounts or hearing dates have been set publicly as of Friday afternoon. Initial appearances are expected within 24–48 hours.

Monitor updates via the Iowa Courts Online portal by searching the case numbers above. For inquiries, contact the Dubuque County Clerk of Court at (563) 589-4418.

Each count is a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and $10,000 fines. Anderson’s prior theft arrests in Scott County earlier in 2026 may influence sentencing if convicted. She is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This arrest reflects ongoing efforts to address motor vehicle theft in the region. Further details will emerge as the cases proceed.