A woman from Las Cruces, New Mexico, has been charged with assaulting a Deputy U.S. Marshal during an attempted arrest. According to court documents, the incident occurred on November 6, 2025, when the U.S. Marshals Service Southwest Investigative Fugitive Team was executing a federal arrest warrant at a residence in Las Cruces.
Law enforcement officials stated that Joann Rickman, 55, who owns the home where the warrant was being served, became combative as officers prepared to enter. A Deputy U.S. Marshal restrained Rickman and placed her in handcuffs. Authorities reported that she continued to resist by kicking, spitting, and attempting to bite the officer.
After the situation was brought under control and law enforcement completed their investigation at the scene, Rickman was returned to a standing position and her handcuffs were removed. Emergency Medical Services offered medical attention to Rickman, but she declined care.
Later that day, the Deputy U.S. Marshal involved sought medical treatment for a thumb sprain and possible exposure to communicable disease.
Rickman faces charges of assaulting an officer of the United States resulting in physical contact. If convicted on these charges, she could face up to eight years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced the charges.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office Las Cruces Resident Agency with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, Las Cruces Police Department and New Mexico Air National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan H. Gennari and Mark Saltman are prosecuting.
"An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."
