Cohoes Woman Pleads Guilty to Assaulting a Federal Agent

ALBANY, NEW YORK - Jade Dunckle, age 31, of Cohoes, New York, pled guilty today to assaulting a federal officer engaged in official duties. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Acting United States Marshal Christopher Amoia made the announcement.

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 the defendant's Cohoes residence in search of a fugitive felon to be arrested. While members of the Task Force searched the defendant's residence for the fugitive, the defendant became belligerent, bit one of the Deputy United States Marshals on the forearm, and screamed "I'll bite you b-ch!"

First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone 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 a maximum sentence of one year in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, and a term of supervised release up to one year. A defendant's sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

The United States Marshals Service is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss is prosecuting the case.