February 6, 2026
FORT MADISON, Iowa – The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has filed criminal charges against Dennis Lawson, 29, and Anthony Bauer, 23. Both are inmates at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison. Lawson and Bauer are each charged with two counts of Attempted Murder (Class B felony) and one count of Possession of Weapons in a Correctional Institution (Class C felony). The charges stem from a January 21, 2026, assault on two Department of Corrections (DOC) employees.
The custody of Lawson and Bauer has been managed in accordance with established DOC procedures.
The injured employees were treated at a local hospital and have since been released.
The DCI was assisted in this investigation by the DOC, Lee County Attorney’s Office, and the Fort Madison Police Department.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
ABOUT THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the largest law enforcement agency in the state. It includes six divisions and several bureaus, all working together with local, state and federal government agencies and the private sector, to keep Iowa a safe place by following our core values: leadership, integrity, professionalism, courtesy, service and protection. Divisions within the Iowa DPS: Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, and Administrative Services Division. The Department of Public Safety is led by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor.
Iowa Department of Public Safety
215 E 7th St
Des Moines IA 50319
https://dps.iowa.gov