Sheriff's Office Reports Series of Arrests in Late September

It's your town. Your lives. Your stories. Make sure someone's telling them—donate to Decorah News now. The following arrests were reported by The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, October 8: On September 19, 2025, MICHAEL DOWDEN, 56, of Decorah, Iowa, turned himself in to the Winneshiek County Jail on arrest warrants for Aggravated Misdemeanor Harassment 1st Degree and Aggravated Misdemeanor Stalking. Dowden was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail. An official criminal complaint obtained by DecorahNews.com alleges that Dowden repeatedly contacted a woman he knew through by text message and social media even after she asked him to stop. Investigators say Dowden used multiple online accounts to continue contacting her and, at one point, threatened to burn down her house. The complaint also states that Dowden allegedly went to the woman's home several times without a legitimate reason, watched her residence from a distance and even left behind a 30-page, typed story containing disturbing and graphic material. During an interview with investigators, Dowden reportedly admitted to continuing contact with the woman and acknowledged that his behavior was inappropriate. On September 23, 2025, DAWN PETERSON, 23, of Sumner, Iowa, turned herself in to the Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office on an arrest warrant for Violation of Probation. Peterson was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail. On September 23, 2025, at approximately 7:31 p.m., the Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop on State Street and East Day Spring Lane in Decorah. The driver, FREDRICK JONES, 45, of Decorah, Iowa, failed to exit the vehicle and did not comply with commands given by a deputy. Subsequently, Jones was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail for Aggravated Misdemeanor Driving While Barred and Simple Misdemeanor Interference with Official Acts. Jones was also cited for Fraudulent Use of Registration. According to the official criminal complaint obtained by DecorahNews.com, during the traffic a traffic stop, Jones was removed from the vehicle and placed on the ground to be handcuffed. During the encounter, the deputy observed Jones move his right hand—which had been hidden—toward his mouth, appearing to place a small baggie inside. Deputies later found his dentures in his hand. The complaint goes on to state that while Jones was examined by EMS, he denied swallowing anything, and refused further medical treatment. On September 24, 2025, CAMERON BERRY, 28, of Fredericksburg, Iowa, was transported from Chickasaw County to the Winneshiek County Jail on an arrest warrant for Sex Offender Registration Violation. Berry was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail. On September 27, 2025, at approximately 2:54 a.m., JACOB VOIGT, 24, of Decorah, Iowa, was arrested on Old Stage Road near Decorah following a broken 911 call. Deputies located Voigt walking on the shoulder of the roadway near the scene of a vehicle accident. Subsequently, Voigt was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail for Serious Misdemeanor Operating While Under the Influence. On September 28, 2025, at approximately 12:42 a.m., ROBIN KUENNEN, 36, of Saint Lucas, Iowa, was arrested following a report of an assault at The Fort bar in Fort Atkinson. Kuennen was transported to the Winneshiek County Jail and booked for Serious Misdemeanor Assault Causing Bodily Injury and Simple Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct – Fighting/Violent Behavior. According to the official criminal complaint obtainted by DecorahNews.com, the arrest stems from areport of an assault at The Fort. When deputies arrived, they spoke with the victim, who reported being attacked by the suspect. Deputies noted the victim had visible injuries, including a cut near her left eye and a bloody nose. The victim told officers the suspect punched her at least three times with a closed fist. The altercation reportedly began near the bar's kitchen area and continued into a back storage room, where the victim's drink was found broken on the floor. According to the complaint, a witness intervened and pulled the suspect off the victim. The suspect had left the scene before law enforcement arrived, and the victim declined medical treatment. Deputies later located Kuennen at the Kwik Star in Calmar, where she was taken into custody and charged. Stay informed, stay inspired! Newsletter sign up is free and join hundreds of free subscribers who rely on DecorahNews.com for trusted information and fresh perspectives.