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On June 21, 2026, at approximately 2:43 a.m., law enforcement responded to Holy Cross Rd in Epworth, Iowa (Dubuque County). Officers arrested or cited several individuals aged 18 to 20 on charges related to underage possession or purchase of alcohol at what appeared to be a group gathering.

Individuals Involved in AR 2026001699

•  Louis Lamar Duve, 19-year-old male: Possession/Purchase of Alcohol by Person 18/19/20 – 1st Offense.

•  Landon Joseph Duehr, 19-year-old male: Same charge.

•  Leah C. Simmons, 19-year-old female: Same charge.

•  Corbin Richard Dean Key, 18-year-old male: Same charge.

•  Skyler Rose Dempsey, 20-year-old female: Same charge.

•  Braxtyn Glenn Howes, 20-year-old male: Same charge.

Additionally:

•  Derrick Michael Merkes, 19-year-old male: Possession/Purchase of Alcohol by Person 18/19/20 – 2nd Offense and Social Host Violation – 1st Offense.

Officers B.M. Krause and H.R. Gunderson handled the response.

AR 2026003166 had limited immediate public details and may connect to the same event.

Bail and Release Information

These recent arrests are simple misdemeanors. Specific bonds are not yet public, but first offenses typically result in modest fines ($100–$500 range), citations, and quick release on personal recognizance or low bail for those with local ties and clean records. Second offenses and social host charges may involve higher fines and slightly longer processing.

Check status via the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office inmate inquiry, by calling 563-589-4406, or through Iowa Courts Online.

Iowa Legal Context

Under Iowa Code §123.47, those under 21 are prohibited from possessing, purchasing, or consuming alcohol. First offenses focus on education and deterrence. Social host violations hold property controllers accountable for allowing underage drinking. Penalties often include fines, community service, license restrictions, or education programs.

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