Mescalero Man, 40, Booked on Federal Assault and Strangulation Charges

Allegedly... Lance Cojo, 40, of Mescalero, was booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center on Jan. 29, 2026. Held under booking number 2600000733, he was transferred from the Lincoln County Detention Center to face a felony charge categorized as all other offenses. Records indicate he is being held without a set bond at the regional facility. According to federal court and news records, Cojo is accused of assaulting and strangling a victim on Oct. 23, 2025. Federal prosecutors allege the incident occurred in Mescalero, leading to his appearance in federal court on charges of assault by strangling or suffocating. The case was detailed in a federal press release following the initial investigation into the October encounter. The charges are allegations, and Cojo is presumed innocent unless and until a court finds otherwise.