MAYNARD, IOWA — A man accused of domestic abuse allegedly returned to the victim’s residence just hours after leaving jail with a court order directing him to stay away, triggering a second arrest and landing an alleged accomplice behind bars.
The disturbing series of events unfolded Sunday, July 26, 2026, in Maynard, a Fayette County community in northeastern Iowa.
Fayette County sheriff’s deputies were called to the 600 block of Main Street West at approximately 1:31 a.m. to investigate a domestic disturbance.
Deputies learned of an alleged domestic abuse assault and arrested 29-year-old James William Hanson of Maynard. He was charged with first-offense domestic abuse assault, a simple misdemeanor, and transported to the Fayette County Jail.
Later Sunday morning, Hanson appeared before a magistrate and was released on a $1,000 unsecured bond and a promise to appear in court. He was also served with a no-contact order directing him to stay away from the victim.
That order allegedly did not keep Hanson away for long.
At approximately 11:25 a.m. — less than 10 hours after deputies were initially dispatched and only hours after Hanson’s release — the victim called 911 and reported that Hanson was at the victim’s residence.
Hanson (pictured at top) was allegedly accompanied by 59-year-old Cheryl Cayot Hanson of Fayette.
Deputies investigated and arrested James Hanson for violating the no-contact order, another simple misdemeanor. Cheryl Hanson was arrested and charged with accessory after the fact and third-degree harassment, both simple misdemeanors.
Authorities did not disclose the relationship between James and Cheryl Hanson or provide details explaining how Cheryl Hanson allegedly assisted him. No stalking charge was announced.
Both were transported to the Fayette County Jail to await initial court appearances.
All charges are allegations. James Hanson and Cheryl Hanson are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.