MASCOUTAH — A 59-year-old City of Mascoutah employee, who allegedly pointed a gun at another employee, was charged Thursday with aggravated assault by the St. Clair County State's Attorney's Office.

Gary R. Mattern of the 100 block of East Oak will face a possible one to three years in prison and fines up to $25,000, if convicted.

Mascoutah Police Chief Bruce Fleshren said a city employee complained to the city manager's office about a confrontation with Mattern about 2:20 p.m. Nov. 19 at the city storage yard on North County Road in Mascoutah. The city manager's office reported the incident to the police department.

"This appears to have stemmed from a perceived problem between Mattern and another city employee. Like any other employer, work place violence or the threat of it, is a serious matter and is not taken lightly," Fleshren said in a released statement. "The safety of all persons in town is a priority for the police department, but providing a safe working environment for city employees is a top priority for the city administration, and we hope that this will send a strong message of that commitment."

Mattern allegedly pointed a gun at the stomach of Christopher England, a city employee, placing him "in reasonable apprehension of receiving a battery," according to prosecutors.

Mattern was not on duty with the city at the time of the reported incident, and no injuries were reported, Fleshren said.

Mattern was processed at the Mascoutah Police Department after turning himself in and was released pending court proceedings, according to Fleshren.

On Thursday, Judge Stephen Rice set Mattern's bond at $30,000. As a condition of bond, Rice ordered Mattern to refrain from contact with the victim and not possess any firearms or weapons.

City officials said they would not comment on the investigation or discipline of Mattern, since it is a personnel matter.

Contact reporter Jamie Forsythe at 239-2562 or jforsythe1@bnd.com.