The son of former Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart, eighteen-year-old Quenden Immanuel Hart, was arrested on Monday, February 23, 2026, in Waverly and now sits in the Linn County Jail without bond, facing serious charges that could send him to prison.
Quentin Hart made history as Waterloo’s first African American mayor when he took office in January 2016 after winning the election in 2015.
Over his ten years leading the city, he poured his energy into making Waterloo a better place for everyone.
People still talk about programs like “Healthy H2O Loo” that promoted wellness, the creation of a “Dementia Friendly Community” to support families dealing with memory loss, and the launch of a Municipal Fiber Network that brought high-speed internet to homes and businesses across the city.
He focused on community development, diversity, and modernizing infrastructure, and many residents remember him as a mayor who truly cared.
Now that same family is going through something no parent ever wants to face.
According to court records and the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Quenden Hart is charged with second-degree robbery, first-degree theft, and fraudulent use of credit cards.
The case stems from an incident on December 22, 2025, in rural Linn County near Marion. Authorities say the 18-year-old used a phone scam to trick a local man into believing he was helping an investigator sort out fraud on the victim’s bank account. The suspect then showed up at the man’s home and took $10,000 in cash.
When the victim tried to chase after him, he was dragged by the car and suffered minor injuries. Later, more fraudulent transactions appeared on the victim’s account.
License plate readers and surveillance cameras in Marion helped detectives identify the vehicle, which was registered to Quentin Hart himself. U.S. Marshals assisted in the arrest.
Quenden Hart is a 2025 graduate of Waterloo East High School and is currently a first-year student at Wartburg College in Waverly. He is majoring in business administration and has a strong interest in cybersecurity.
Last year, he received the prestigious Harry & Polly Slife Minority Scholarship from Wartburg, a full-tuition award given to one standout student from the Waterloo school district each year.
Friends and classmates describe him as bright and full of potential, which makes this situation even harder for those who know the family.
On Tuesday, just a day after the arrest, former Mayor Hart shared a heartfelt message on Facebook that has been widely shared. He wrote-:
Many of you have seen the recent news involving my son. As a father, this is one of the most difficult moments our family has faced.
Via Facebook
I love my son deeply, and our family is supporting him while also recognizing the seriousness of the situation. We respect the legal process and trust that it will proceed fairly and thoroughly.
Because this is an active legal matter, I will not be commenting on specific details. I ask for your prayers, your grace, and your respect for our family’s privacy — as well as for all those affected.
The post shows a dad who is hurting but standing by his son while honoring the pain of the victim and the weight of the charges. Quenden is the son of Cassandra and Quentin Hart, and right now the whole family is leaning on each other as the case moves through the courts.
This story hits hard because it involves a well-known public figure whose name has always stood for positive change in Waterloo.
People who watched Quentin Hart lead the city through tough times now find themselves hoping his family can find strength in the same community spirit he worked so hard to build.
The legal process is just beginning, and everyone involved, especially the victim and the Hart family, will need time, patience, and understanding as things unfold.
For now, Quenden Hart remains in custody in Linn County as his family waits and prays for the road ahead. It’s a reminder that even the strongest families can face unexpected storms, and how they weather them often reveals what really matters most.
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