Two employees of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department are facing disorderly conduct charges stemming from an altercation at a Libertyville bar on August 1, 2025, according to court documents.
Austin Almon, a deputy with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, and Dustin Mallinger, a jailer with the same department, have both been charged with disorderly conduct – fighting/violent behavior, a simple misdemeanor.
The incident occurred on the evening of August 1, 2025, at the Dew Drop Inn in Libertyville, Iowa.
According to court records, both men had been drinking alcohol at the establishment when a dispute arose.
Mallinger initially pushed Almon inside the bar before being escorted outside by other patrons. The confrontation continued outside the establishment, where Mallinger grabbed Almon’s shirt, breaking his necklace, while being restrained by other patrons and acquaintances. During the altercation, Almon punched Mallinger in the face, causing injury to Mallinger’s left eye that resulted in bleeding and swelling.
Multiple witnesses were interviewed regarding the incident, with statements confirming that the fighting behavior occurred in public view. Court documents note that numerous patrons and acquaintances attempted to restrain the parties during the altercation.
During interviews with investigators, Almon admitted to consuming alcohol and acknowledged punching Mallinger in the face during the confrontation. Mallinger also admitted to drinking alcohol 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 AM. Due to the involvement of Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department employees.
The case represents a significant legal matter for the department, as both a deputy and jailer face criminal charges related to their off-duty conduct.
