Two employees of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department are facing charges following an incident at a Libertyville bar earlier this month.
According to court documents, Deputy Austin Almon and jailer Dustin Mallinger have both been charged with disorderly conduct – fighting/violent behavior, a simple misdemeanor. The charges stem from an altercation on the evening of August 1, 2025, at the Dew Drop Inn in Libertyville, Iowa.
Court records indicate that both men had been drinking alcohol at the establishment when a dispute arose. Witnesses reported that Mallinger initially pushed Almon inside the bar before being escorted outside by other patrons. The confrontation continued outdoors, where Mallinger allegedly grabbed Almon’s shirt, breaking his necklace, while being restrained by acquaintances. During the struggle, Almon punched Mallinger in the face, causing an injury to Mallinger’s left eye that resulted in bleeding and swelling.
Multiple witnesses were interviewed, with statements confirming that the fighting occurred in public view. Court documents note that numerous patrons and acquaintances attempted to restrain both men during the altercation.
In interviews with investigators, Almon admitted to consuming alcohol and acknowledged punching Mallinger in the face. Mallinger also admitted to drinking but told investigators he could not recall his aggressive actions due to intoxication.
Both Almon and Mallinger are scheduled for court hearings on September 4, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
The case represents a significant legal matter for the Sheriff’s Department, as both a deputy and a jailer now face criminal charges related to their off-duty conduct. The department has not yet released a public statement regarding the incident or any potential disciplinary measures.