Inmate Charged After Altercation with Des Moines County Jail Deputies

Charles Lee Weddington accused of throwing objects, assaulting officers during incident

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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An inmate at the Des Moines County Jail in Burlington, Iowa is facing multiple charges after an altercation with deputies on Tuesday morning. According to the sheriff's office, 32-year-old Charles Lee Weddington refused to comply with officers, threw objects and fists, and attempted to disarm a deputy before being tased.

Why it matters

Incidents of inmate violence against correctional officers are an ongoing concern for jails and prisons, raising issues around safety, staffing, and the need for de-escalation training and protocols.

The details

Deputies were called to the Des Moines County Correctional Center around 9:44 a.m. on Tuesday to assist with moving Weddington, who refused commands and became combative. During the struggle, Weddington allegedly attempted to grab a deputy's taser. One deputy sustained an injury to his right hand. Weddington has been charged with interference with official acts, disarming a peace officer, and assault on persons in certain occupations.

  • The incident occurred around 9:44 a.m. on Tuesday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Charles Lee Weddington

A 32-year-old inmate at the Des Moines County Jail in Burlington, Iowa who was involved in an altercation with deputies.

Des Moines County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident at the Des Moines County Correctional Center.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges correctional officers face in maintaining order and safety within jails, underscoring the need for robust training, protocols, and resources to de-escalate confrontations with inmates.