Joann Rickman, Assault of an Officer, New Mexico 2025

las cruces – A Las Cruces woman has been charged with a serious crime after allegedly assaulting a Deputy United States Marshal during an attempted arrest.

Joann Rickman, 55, was charged by criminal complaint with assault of an officer of the United States resulting in physical contact.

According to court documents, on November 6, 2025, the U.S. Marshals Service Southwest Investigative Fugitive Team was attempting to execute a federal arrest warrant at a residence in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

When law enforcement prepared to enter the home, Rickman became combative. A Deputy U.S. Marshal restrained Rickman and placed her in handcuffs.

She continued resisting, kicking, spitting, and attempting to bite the officer. Once the situation was under control and the investigation at the scene concluded, Rickman was returned to a standing position and her handcuffs were removed.

Emergency Medical Services offered medical attention, which she declined. Later that afternoon, the U.S. Marshal sought medical attention for a thumb sprain and potential exposure to communicable disease.

Rickman is charged with assault of an officer of the United States resulting in physical contact. If convicted of the current charges, Rickman faces up to 8 years in prison.

The investigation was conducted by the Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, 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 the case.

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