A former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent, James Young, is facing serious legal troubles after being charged with multiple offenses, including pointing a gun at a fellow federal agent and engaging in a road rage incident. The 53-year-old was already in hot water for stockpiling illegal weapons and allegations of domestic violence from the previous year.
Young has been charged with five counts of assault with a firearm, assault with a deadly weapon, brandishing a firearm, and causing a hit-and-run accident. If convicted, he could spend up to 29 years in prison. These new charges come after a series of troubling incidents that began in 2022 at the DEA’s Los Angeles field office, which ultimately led to the end of his law enforcement career.
The initial incident involved Young allegedly using his service weapon to jab a fellow agent in a confrontational manner, which he later claimed was meant to be playful. However, the situation escalated, resulting in his retirement from the DEA. Following this, in September 2023, Young was involved in a road rage incident on the 405 Freeway, where he reportedly bumped another vehicle and then pointed a handgun at the other driver. The victim managed to identify Young’s car, and he later admitted to using that vehicle.
In addition to these charges, Young has also been accused of making threats against California Highway Patrol officers. He allegedly contacted a former colleague to express vague but concerning threats and had even obtained the officers’ home addresses, according to court documents. Young’s attorney has denied these allegations, stating that they are untrue.
Young’s troubles began last year when he was arrested for choking his estranged wife and placing her in a wrestling hold. A subsequent search of his home revealed a shocking cache of weapons, including 30,000 rounds of ammunition, several grenades, and 15 firearms, some of which were illegal to own. Authorities also found modified DEA credentials that made it appear he was still an active federal agent.
Despite the serious nature of these charges, a judge allowed Young to remain free on his own recognizance last October, even after prosecutors expressed concerns about his access to firearms. He was later detained for allegedly breaking into his former home. Following the new charges, prosecutors sought a bail of $235,000, but the judge again allowed Young to remain free, albeit under electronic monitoring.
As the case unfolds, the public and law enforcement agencies are closely watching the developments surrounding Young, whose actions have raised significant concerns about public safety and trust in law enforcement. A preliminary hearing is expected to take place in the summer.