Authorities in Iowa are seeking public assistance in locating a man who has absconded from parole supervision, according to the Iowa Department of Corrections and Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities.
Who is the suspect?
The man in question is Richard Rhoden, a 30-year-old who is currently wanted by the Iowa Department of Corrections’ 7th District High Risk Unit. Rhoden was previously convicted on the charge of felon in possession of a firearm and had been released on parole before allegedly violating its terms.
According to officials, Rhoden absconded from supervision, meaning he intentionally fled or failed to maintain contact with his supervising officers — a serious parole violation that can lead to re-arrest and incarceration.
Physical description and details
Richard Rhoden is described as follows:
- Age: 30
- Height: 5 feet 9 inches
- Weight: 189 pounds
- Hair color: Black
- Eye color: Brown
He was under the jurisdiction of the Iowa Department of Corrections’ 7th Judicial District, which covers Scott, Clinton, Cedar, Jackson, and Muscatine counties in Iowa.
Public urged to assist
The Iowa Department of Corrections has partnered with Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities in an effort to locate Rhoden. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to his arrest.
“Any tips that can help bring this individual into custody are crucial,” officials stated.
Citizens who may have seen Rhoden or know of his whereabouts are asked to remain vigilant and not to approach him, as his criminal history includes firearm-related offenses.
How to report information anonymously?
Tips can be reported anonymously via the following channels:
- Phone: Call Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities at 309-762-9500
- Mobile App: Submit tips through the P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android)
- Online: Visit the official Crime Stoppers tip page at qccrimestoppers.com/submit-tip
Crime Stoppers assures full anonymity for tipsters, and cash rewards are available for information that directly leads to an arrest. No personal information or caller identification is required during the reporting process.
The role of Crime Stoppers and parole enforcement
Crime Stoppers programs are a community-police partnership that provides platforms for the public to submit tips on wanted individuals or criminal activity. It works independently and confidentially, allowing citizens to aid law enforcement without putting themselves at risk.
The Iowa Department of Corrections operates several high-risk parole enforcement units, such as the 7th District High Risk Unit, tasked with monitoring individuals who are considered to have a higher likelihood of violating parole or committing additional offenses. These units work closely with local law enforcement to ensure community safety and the proper supervision of released individuals.
To learn more about Iowa’s parole and community-based corrections programs, visit the Iowa Department of Corrections’ official website: doc.iowa.gov
Why this matters?
Cases like this highlight the ongoing challenge faced by law enforcement and correctional systems in managing high-risk individuals released into the community. While parole is an important step in rehabilitation and reintegration, it relies heavily on compliance and monitoring.
The fact that Rhoden, who has a history involving firearms, has absconded raises concerns about potential risks to public safety, prompting officials to act swiftly in requesting community assistance.
Stay informed and vigilant
If you’re a resident of the Iowa Quad Cities region — including Davenport, Bettendorf, Rock Island, and Moline — it’s important to stay alert and report suspicious activity. Authorities stress that timely tips from the public can play a vital role in apprehending individuals who attempt to evade justice.
