MASON CITY – A Mason City man is facing a serious felony burglary charge after police say he violently forced his way into a local residence while armed with a handgun and threatened the people inside.
Leary Eugene Huggins II, age 23, of Mason City, was booked into the Cerro Gordo County Jail at 7:33 a.m. on May 13, 2026. He is charged with first-degree burglary, a Class B felony, and fourth-degree criminal mischief, a serious misdemeanor.
According to Mason City Police Chief Mike McKelvey, the case stems from a violent incident on April 30, 2026. McKelvey said Huggins allegedly forced his way through a locked residential door while armed with a handgun.
Police also allege Huggins threatened to assault the occupant or occupants before and during the forced entry.
The criminal mischief charge stems from allegations that Huggins broke out multiple windows on a vehicle parked outside the residence he is accused of burglarizing, McKelvey said.
Court records show the State of Iowa filed the case against Huggins in Cerro Gordo County District Court on May 12, 2026. An arrest warrant was issued the same day with bond set at $26,000 cash only and marked statewide. The warrant was served on May 13.
Huggins made his initial court appearance on May 13, when he was held on bond and a preliminary hearing was scheduled. Court records show he was later appointed a public defender.
Trial information and minutes of testimony were filed May 19, formally listing two counts against Huggins: first-degree burglary for the April 30 incident and fourth-degree criminal mischief. A bond review hearing was scheduled for May 26, and arraignment was set for 9 a.m. on June 1 in Cerro Gordo County District Court.
First-degree burglary is one of the more serious property and violence-related charges under Iowa law and can apply when a person is accused of entering an occupied structure while possessing a dangerous weapon or explosive, or when another aggravating factor is alleged.
No disposition has been entered in the case. Huggins is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.