Burlington Man Accused of Indecent Exposure on School Bus

Dontell Alonzo Ryce faces new charges after previous public park incident

Feb. 2, 2026 at 5:39pm

A 28-year-old Burlington resident, Dontell Alonzo Ryce, has been arrested and charged with indecent exposure involving a sex act visible to others, a serious misdemeanor. Authorities say Ryce was seen naked, standing in the doorway of his apartment, by a student on a nearby school bus. Ryce initially denied the accusation but later admitted to the behavior, telling police it was a mistake and that he had been masturbating while waiting for a friend.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about repeat offenses and the need for greater accountability and monitoring of individuals accused of public indecency, especially when it involves exposure to minors. It also highlights the impact these incidents can have on the community and the importance of swift action by law enforcement to address such behavior.

The details

Police arrested Ryce on Thursday after a student on a school bus reported seeing him naked in the doorway of his apartment on January 14th. Officers visited Ryce's residence on January 25th, where he initially denied the accusation but later admitted to the behavior, saying he had been masturbating while waiting for a friend. Ryce is currently being held at the Des Moines County Jail on a $5,000 cash-only bond, and his preliminary hearing is set for February 6th.

  • On January 14th, a student on a school bus reported seeing Ryce naked in the doorway of his apartment.
  • On January 25th, police visited Ryce's apartment and spoke with him about the incident.
  • On February 2nd, Ryce was arrested and charged with indecent exposure.
  • Ryce's preliminary hearing is set for 2 p.m. on February 6th.

The players

Dontell Alonzo Ryce

A 28-year-old Burlington resident who has been charged with indecent exposure involving a sex act visible to others, a serious misdemeanor.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was a mistake and that he had been standing in the doorway masturbating while waiting for a friend to arrive.”

— Dontell Alonzo Ryce

What’s next

Ryce's preliminary hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. on February 6th, where the judge will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for greater vigilance and accountability when it comes to public indecency, especially when it involves exposure to minors. It also underscores the importance of swift action by law enforcement to address such behavior and protect the community.