Mason City man charged with burglary pleads guilty to lesser charge

MASON CITY — A Mason City man charged with burglary at a home has pleaded guilty to reduced charges as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors.

55-year-old Joseph Upshaw was accused of going to a residence in Mason City on March 29th where he started banging and kicking the door. The occupant of the residence unlocked the door, with Upshaw forcing his way in, later striking the occupant over the head with what the victim described as either a bat or lead-filled leather strap. The victim did suffer a large laceration and contusion on the top of their head. Upshaw then fled the scene after the alleged assault.

Upshaw was originally charged with  first-degree burglary causing bodily injury, a Class B felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison, as well as assault with a dangerous weapon and assault while participating in a felony. As part of a plea agreement with prosecutors, Upshaw pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon.

Upshaw was sentenced to 15 days in jail and an $855 fine, with the fine being suspended.