MASON CITY — A stalking and harassment investigation out of Pocahontas County brought authorities to a Mason City man with a long history of mischievousness, who now faces six charges alleging he stalked someone in violation of a protective order and twice violated a no-contact order.
Mark Hotzler, 61, of Mason City, was arrested October 7, 2026, by Mason City police after investigators secured warrants, according to the Pocahontas County Sheriff’s Office. He was subsequently transferred to the Pocahontas County Jail.
Complaint leads to warrants
The investigation began October 5 after authorities learned of an ongoing stalking and harassment complaint. The sheriff’s office worked with the Pocahontas County Attorney’s Office to investigate the allegations.
Investigators then requested and obtained arrest warrants for Hotzler. Two days after the investigation began, Mason City police took him into custody.
The sheriff’s office said Hotzler (pictured at top) was being held in the Pocahontas County Jail when its announcement was issued. The release did not provide a bond amount or an upcoming court date.
Two felony counts among six charges
Authorities announced the following charges against Hotzler:
- Two counts of stalking in violation of a protective order, each a Class C felony.
- Two counts of first-degree harassment, each an aggravated misdemeanor.
- Two counts of violating a no-contact order, each a simple misdemeanor.
The release did not describe the alleged contacts, identify the person or people involved, or say when the protective and no-contact orders were issued. It also did not specify whether the allegations involved messages, phone calls, in-person encounters or other conduct.
Another stalking case with Mason City ties
NIT has covered other cases involving stalking and alleged disregard for court-ordered restrictions. In a separate, unrelated prosecution, a Chicago man received 10 years in federal prison for cyberstalking and threatening a Mason City victim. Prosecutors in that case said the contacts continued after a no-contact order was issued.
The charges against Hotzler remain allegations. The Pocahontas County Sheriff’s Office credited the county attorney’s office and Mason City Police Department with assisting in the investigation and arrest.
According to court records, Hotzler was accused of stalking as far back as 2010, but the charge was dismissed in Calhoun county. He was also guilty of three counts of felony stalking in Pocahontas county back in 2016 which landed him in prison. His criminal past lists many more incidents.
Hotzler is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.