CHARLES CITY — An after-midnight report of an injured woman led Charles City police to arrest a convicted domestic abuser and felony drunk driver who is now accused of another serious domestic assault.
The Charles City Police Department was called to the 2100 block of Clark Street at 12:05 a.m. Saturday, September 12, after receiving a report of an injured woman.
Following an investigation, officers arrested 35-year-old Brett Scott Leach (pictured at top) of Charles City.
Leach is charged with:
- Domestic abuse assault, third or subsequent offense, a Class D felony
-
Driving while license denied or revoked, a serious misdemeanor
The brief police report did not describe the woman’s injuries, explain how she was injured or provide additional details about what allegedly occurred before officers arrived.
Iowa court records show Leach made his initial appearance September 12. Bond was set at $5,000 cash or surety, and a public defender was appointed.
A no-contact order was issued that day and served upon Leach, according to a return filed by the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office on September 14.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. Monday, September 21.
Prior domestic abuse conviction
Court records show Leach was previously convicted of second-offense domestic abuse assault following an April 6, 2020, incident in Bremer County.
Leach entered a negotiated guilty plea on March 9, 2021. A judge imposed a two-year prison sentence but suspended the entire term and placed him on probation for two years. A $625 fine was also suspended.
The new Floyd County charge accuses Leach of domestic abuse assault as a third or subsequent offense, elevating the allegation to a Class D felony.
Charles City police have handled other cases involving repeated domestic abuse allegations. NIT previously reported on a Charles City suspect accused of fleeing officers after another alleged domestic assault.
Felony drunk-driving record
Leach also has a felony drunk-driving conviction in Chickasaw County.
Court records show he was arrested following an October 9, 2023, incident and charged with operating while under the influence, third or subsequent offense, a Class D felony.
He entered a negotiated guilty plea to the felony OWI charge on March 26, 2024. A companion charge of driving while license denied or revoked was dismissed.
The case later produced probation-related proceedings. Records show Leach pleaded guilty to contempt for resisting a district court order following a probation-violation allegation dated July 15, 2024. Another probation-violation allegation dated January 12, 2026, was dismissed.
The new Charles City case again charges Leach with driving while his license was denied or revoked. Court information provided does not explain where he allegedly drove or how that charge became part of the injured-woman investigation.
Felony OWI cases remain a recurring concern in the area. NIT recently reported on another suspect collared after a vehicle allegedly tore through the Charles City ball diamonds, resulting in felony OWI and officer-assault charges.
No disposition has been entered in Leach’s new Floyd County case.
The new charges are accusations. Leach is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.