Two Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department employees who faced disorderly conduct charges following an August altercation at a Libertyville bar have had their cases dismissed after completing community service, according to recent court filings.
Deputy Austin Almon and jailer Dustin Mallinger were both charged with disorderly conduct – fighting/violent behavior, a simple misdemeanor, stemming from a physical altercation on August 1, 2025, at the Dew Drop Inn in Libertyville.
Court records indicate that both men had been drinking when a dispute escalated into a confrontation. Witnesses told investigators that Mallinger initially pushed Almon inside the bar before being escorted outside by other patrons. The altercation continued in the parking area, where Mallinger grabbed Almon’s shirt and broke his necklace before being restrained by others. Almon then punched Mallinger in the face, causing swelling and bleeding around his left eye.
Both men later admitted to consuming alcohol during interviews with investigators. Almon acknowledged striking Mallinger, while Mallinger said he could not recall his actions due to intoxication.
The case was initially prosecuted by the Wapello County Attorney’s Office, which was specially assigned to handle the matter due to the defendants’ employment with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.
According to court documents filed by Special Prosecutor Steviee Grove, both cases have now been dismissed as part of a plea agreement. Under the terms, each defendant was required to complete 100 hours of community service before dismissal. The Wapello County Attorney’s Office confirmed that both Almon and Mallinger fulfilled this requirement and submitted proof of completion.
With the conditions met, the State of Iowa moved to dismiss all charges, with court costs and appointed attorney fees assessed to the defendants.
The dismissals formally close the case, which had drawn attention due to the involvement of local law enforcement personnel in an off-duty incident.
