North Iowa Man Arrested on Kidnapping, Sexual Abuse Charges

A Mason City man has been arrested on kidnapping and sexual abuse charges.

The Mason City Police Department says they went to the 300 block of 1st Street Northwest at about 4:30 a.m. Wednesday morning after a caller reported a possible ongoing assault with someone yelling for help. A suspect believed to be involved fled the scene before officers arrived.

After setting up a perimeter around the area, MCPD apprehended 39-year-old Michael Atkins, Jr, a short time later. Their investigation determined that there was a single victim in the case and that Atkins and the victim were living together.

Atkins has been charged with first-degree kidnapping, a Class A felony;  second-degree sexual abuse, a Class B felony; domestic abuse assault impeding air/blood flow, a Class D felony; and public intoxication, a simple misdemeanor. 

Court documents accuse Atkins of holding the victim against their will and committing a sex act against them. He’s also alleged to have threatened the victim with a firearm and tried to strangle the victim.

Atkins is in custody at the Cerro Gordo County Jail.                                  

The Garner Police Department canine unit also assisted officers at the scene. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Mason City Police.