On May 26, 2026, Iowa District Court Judge Thomas A. Bitter sentenced 23-year-old Jacques Avery Jr. to 10 years in prison for second-degree robbery (Iowa Code 711.3), a Class C felony. The court also imposed a DNA requirement and a fine. The sentence followed a negotiated/voluntary guilty plea that amended the original first-degree robbery charge.

Incident and Charges

The offense occurred on October 11, 2025, at a West 15th Street residence in Dubuque. Avery was accused of entering the home, punching the victim, threatening him with a knife, stating he would shoot him, and taking about $300 in cash.

Adjudicated Charge:

•  Robbery 2nd Degree (Class C Felony)

•  Guilty via negotiated plea on May 26, 2026, before Judge Bitter.

Dismissed Charges (same date, Judge Bitter):

•  Going Armed with Intent (Class D Felony)

•  Willful Injury – Causing Bodily Injury (Class D Felony)

•  Harassment 1st Degree (Aggravated Misdemeanor)

•  Possession of Controlled Substance – Marijuana 1st Offense (Serious Misdemeanor)

Benefits of Plea Negotiations

Plea bargaining efficiently resolves most Iowa criminal cases. Here, it reduced the charge from a Class B felony (up to 25 years) to a Class C felony (10 years imposed) and dismissed companion counts.

•  For the Defendant: Offers certainty, avoids trial risks, shortens potential prison time, and enables earlier focus on rehabilitation.

•  For Prosecutors and Courts: Saves time and resources while securing a conviction without trial uncertainties.

•  For Victims: Provides faster closure and spares them from testifying, though some may see the outcome as lenient.

•  Broader Implications: Balances accountability with system efficiency but can raise concerns about under-punishment in violent

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