Records show that a former Narcotics Enforcement agent, who was charged with stockpiling illegal weapons and domestic violence last year, is now facing additional charges of pointing a gun at a federal agent and wielding a gun in a 2024 road rage incident.
James Young, 53, faces up to 29 years in prison after prosecutors accused him of five attacks with a gun, attacking with a deadly weapon, wielding a gun on another motorist and causing a crash.
The allegations stem from the 2022 incident at the DEA’s Los Angeles Live Office, which appeared to have caused his badge to be young when he was young, and two years later, the alleged highway rage attack.
“My office will not tolerate criminal acts by those we entrust to enforce the law. The disturbing allegations in this case, including domestic violence, multiple attacks of guns, and intentional impacts, represent both a threat to public safety and a threat to public trust,” La County District. “Atty. Nathan Hochman said in a statement.
Young’s attorney Jeff Voll declined to comment on the new allegations.
The former agent was arrested for the first time after being accused of suffocating his estranged wife and placing her in a wrestling match last year. Records show that Yang’s house was subsequently cached with 30,000 rounds of ammunition, several grenades and 15 different guns, including serrated shotguns owned under state law and four other illegal weapons. Police also found a modified DEA certificate designed to keep Young still a federal law enforcement officer, records show.
Court records show that Young’s 25-year-old law enforcement career ended in 2022 when he allegedly stabbed his loaded weapon into his companion’s abdomen. Last month, the victim was described as a “subordinate employee” in a notice issued by the Office of the Inspector General of the Justice Department.
Young attempted to “play”, but another agent responded by disarming and physically conquering Young, who was ordered to surrender to the gun and retire soon, according to court records.
DEA declined to comment on the allegations against Young.
Another incident occurred on Highway 405 last September. According to a motion filed by the District Attorney’s Office last year, Young hit another vehicle with his vehicle twice and pointed the pistol in the direction of the other driver. The motorist was able to identify Young’s car, according to court records, and the former agent told the California Highway Patrol investigator that he was the only person to use the vehicle.
Weeks later, Young had allegedly called a former colleague and was “ambiguous to health center officials but involved threats about health conference personnel.” He even learned their home address, according to court records.
Wall said the allegation was unreasonable.
“This has never happened,” he said.
Zara Lockshin, spokesman for the District Attorney’s Office, said the Centre for Health Protection filed a criminal threat case with prosecutors, which is still under review.
Young County Superior Court Judge Bernie Laforteza released his approval in October due to fierce opposition from prosecutors, and Young County Superior Court Judge Bernie Laforteza investigated Young last year. Prosecutors recently discovered that he was recently found owning a small arsenal.
The next day, Young was again detained by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for allegedly breaking into the Saugus home he once shared with his wife.
According to Locksin, when the new charges were filed last month, prosecutors argued that Young would replace $235,000 in bail. Locksin said the judge once again ignored the prosecutor’s concerns and allowed former federal agents to remain free to trial, despite Young being subject to electrical monitoring.
Wall said preliminary hearings could be held in the summer.
