Rochester Police Arrest Iowa Man Wanted on Child Sex Abuse Charges

Protesters mistakenly believed the arrest was related to immigration enforcement

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Rochester Police Department, along with officials from the U.S. Marshal's Office, arrested 24-year-old Scott Mario Palermo, who is wanted on warrants from Polk County, Iowa, for charges of harboring a runaway and three charges of third-degree child sex abuse. About 15 people protested the arrest, mistakenly believing it was related to immigration enforcement, but no one was cited or charged.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and misunderstandings around law enforcement actions, particularly when it comes to immigration-related issues. While the arrest was for serious criminal charges, the public reaction shows the need for better communication and transparency from authorities to avoid confusion and unwarranted protests.

The details

Police say Palermo was taken into custody on Monday morning from an apartment building in Rochester. A press release from the Rochester Police Department stated that 'numerous people' tried to 'obstruct the arrest' and protested the incident, 'believing it was ICE activity.' However, Amanda Grayson, crime prevention and communications coordinator with the Rochester Police Department, confirmed that about 15 people were at the site of the arrest, but there were no other arrests or citations issued for interference.

  • Palermo was arrested on Monday morning.
  • On Tuesday, Palermo agreed to extradition to Iowa on the charges.

The players

Scott Mario Palermo

A 24-year-old man wanted on warrants from Polk County, Iowa, for charges of harboring a runaway and three charges of third-degree child sex abuse.

Rochester Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that, along with U.S. Marshals, arrested Palermo.

U.S. Marshals Office

The federal law enforcement agency that assisted the Rochester Police Department in Palermo's arrest.

Amanda Grayson

The crime prevention and communications coordinator with the Rochester Police Department.

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What they’re saying

“Numerous people tried to obstruct the arrest and protested the incident, believing it was ICE activity.”

— Rochester Police Department (Press release)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Palermo to be extradited to Iowa to face the charges.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining public trust and avoiding misunderstandings during law enforcement actions, especially when it comes to sensitive issues like immigration. It underscores the need for clear communication and transparency from authorities to prevent unwarranted protests and confusion in the community.