LAS CRUCES, N.M. — A Silver City man is facing a federal charge after prosecutors say he threatened a U.S. Forest Service officer following a court appearance in Las Cruces.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, Fred Berry, 55, appeared in federal court on June 11, 2026, for a sentencing hearing related to previous violations on U.S. Forest Service land.
Following the hearing, a U.S. Forest Service officer approached Berry to issue two additional citations. Prosecutors say the citations involved allegations of maintaining a campfire during fire restrictions and failing to properly dispose of garbage on federal land.
Federal authorities allege Berry became confrontational after receiving the citations and directed threatening remarks toward the officer, who was attending court in an official capacity and wearing a badge of office.
According to court documents, witnesses to the confrontation included a Bureau of Land Management ranger and a courtroom security officer. Prosecutors say the security officer later asked Berry whether his statement was intended as a threat, and Berry allegedly responded, “I said what I said.”
Berry has been charged with threatening a federal law enforcement officer. He remains in custody pending trial.
If convicted, Berry could face up to two years in federal prison.
