Burlington Police Arrested Two on Drug Charges
Authorities apprehended Donald Epps and Dovie Manning during a traffic stop involving narcotics and weapons.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Drug Crime
Police in Burlington conducted a traffic stop that led to the arrest of Donald Epps and Dovie Manning on multiple drug and firearm charges. Detectives discovered cocaine, cocaine base, firearms, and cash inside the vehicle.
Why it matters
The arrests were part of an ongoing investigation by local authorities to combat narcotics distribution in the Burlington area. The discovery of weapons alongside controlled substances has led to felony and misdemeanor charges for both suspects.
Donald Epps remains in Des Moines County Jail on a $50,000 cash-only bond, while Dovie Manning is also in custody. Epps is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on September 28, 2026.
The players
Donald Epps
The 46-year-old suspect faces multiple felony and misdemeanor drug and firearm charges.
Dovie Manning
The 29-year-old suspect is in custody at the Des Moines County Jail following the traffic stop.
Des Moines County Jail
This facility is currently housing both suspects while they await further legal proceedings.
The details
Detectives initiated the traffic stop after the vehicle failed to obey a stop sign, later utilizing a K9 unit to conduct an open-air sniff of the vehicle. The search resulted in the recovery of narcotics and firearms, forming the basis for the charges filed against the pair.
Timeline
Detectives conducted the traffic stop on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
Bond information for Dovie Manning was unavailable by Friday, September 18, 2026.
A preliminary hearing for Donald Epps is set for 2 p.m. on September 28, 2026.
Legal Context
The charges filed against the suspects follow the enforcement standards established by the Iowa Code Chapter 124 regarding controlled substances. Such arrests reflect ongoing local efforts to curb drug trafficking through routine traffic enforcement and interdiction.
The recovery of firearms and narcotics during a routine traffic stop highlights local law enforcement's focus on proactive neighborhood patrolling. Residents should be aware that police are actively using traffic enforcement as part of broader efforts to improve safety.
The takeaway
Proactive traffic stops remain a primary tool for law enforcement in identifying and removing illicit items from community streets. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to local authorities to support these ongoing investigative efforts.
What happens next
Donald Epps is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on September 28, 2026, at 2 p.m.
Further reading
Learn more about local law enforcement operations at Drug Crime.
