Jade Dunckle, age 31, of Cohoes, New York, pled guilty on Mar. 26 to assaulting a federal officer while the officer was engaged in official duties.
The case is significant because it highlights the risks faced by law enforcement officers during operations and underscores that assaults against them are prosecuted seriously.
According to plea documents previously filed in the case, on September 17, 2025, members of the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision visited Dunckle’s residence searching for a fugitive felon. During their search, Dunckle became belligerent and bit one of the Deputy United States Marshals on the forearm while shouting at him.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “Deputy U.S. Marshals put themselves in harm’s way every day to capture dangerous fugitives and protect the public. Attacking the federal agent trying to arrest a fugitive is a quick way to turn yourself into the next defendant. This Office will aggressively prosecute anyone who assaults and interferes with lawful arrests made by brave federal agents faithfully doing their jobs.”
Acting United States Marshal Christopher Amoia said: “The guilty plea in this case sends a clear message that acts of violence against federal law enforcement officers will not be tolerated. Deputy United States Marshals serve on the front lines of public safety every day, often working to apprehend dangerous fugitives and protect the integrity of our judicial system. Assaulting a federal officer is a serious offense, and those who engage in such conduct will be held fully accountable under federal law. I commend the professionalism and resilience demonstrated by the Deputy United States Marshal involved in this incident, as well as the efforts of the investigators and prosecutors who ensured that justice was served.”
Dunckle is scheduled for sentencing before U.S. District Judge Anne M. Nardacci on July 29, 2026. She faces up to one year in prison, a fine up to $100,000, and supervised release up to one year.
