City of Mitchellville sued for defamation by former employee

A former employee of the City of Mitchellville is now suing the city and its former mayor for defamation. Jason Battin, a former public works employee and a volunteer firefighter for the City of Mitchellville, is suing the city, former mayor Anthony Jensen and his wife, Daniella Jensen, and former city council member Amber Turner in Polk County District Court. The lawsuit alleges that on March 5, 2026, the mayor fired Mitchellville’s long-time fire chief, Mike Twohey, “causing uproar with the public and Mitchellville employees.” At a March 16, 2026, city council meeting, Battin criticized the mayor’s leadership and firing of Twohey — a move, the lawsuit alleges, that incensed both the mayor and council member Turner.

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