Rio Rancho woman federally charged for firearm, ammunition offenses

RIO RANCHO, N.M. (KRQE) – A Rio Rancho woman has been federally charged for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition while using controlled substances.

Courtney Sparks, 39, appeared before a federal judge on July 23 and was placed on conditions of release to a halfway house while awaiting trial. According to court documents, on March 15, 2024, Sparks was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Sparks crashed into an Albuquerque Fire Rescue truck, and a search of her vehicle turned up a loaded revolver, three open bottles of alcohol and a narcotics pipe was found on Sparks.

According to court documents, Sparks was arrested in Rio Arriba County for driving while intoxicated. New Mexico State Police were flagged down and received reports of a possible impaired driver. NMSP observed Sparks driving below the speed limit and crossing between road lines. After her arrest, a search of the vehicle found revolver ammunition, shotgun shells, multiple hatchets, a knife, a machete, and drug paraphernalia.

Sparks faces up to 15 years behind bars for each offense. A trial for Sparks has not yet been scheduled.

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