DEA Promoted Agent Who Shot Colleague Despite Issues
- Here's a breakdown of the key information from the provided text, focusing on the case of former DEA agent James Young:
- * 2022 gun Incident: James Young, then a supervisor overseeing about 30 agents in ventura County, allegedly pointed a gun at a fellow DEA agent, Doherty.
- * Early Issues (2012, Tokyo): Young was sent home from a Tokyo assignment after a medical evaluation revealed issues hindering his ability to perform his duties.
Here’s a breakdown of the key information from the provided text, focusing on the case of former DEA agent James Young:
The Core Incident & Charges:
* 2022 gun Incident: James Young, then a supervisor overseeing about 30 agents in ventura County, allegedly pointed a gun at a fellow DEA agent, Doherty. Doherty disarmed him.
* Delayed Charges: Young wasn’t charged until 2025 with assault related to this incident.
* Additional Charges: Beyond the initial assault, Young now faces charges for:
* Road rage
* Domestic violence
* Illegal possession of a large stockpile of guns, ammunition, and grenades.
* Plea: Young has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Concerning Pattern of Behavior & Agency Response:
* Early Issues (2012, Tokyo): Young was sent home from a Tokyo assignment after a medical evaluation revealed issues hindering his ability to perform his duties. He was required to undergo therapy for mental health issues and alcohol abuse, and was suspended for vehicle misuse.
* Promotion Despite Concerns: Despite these documented issues, the DEA promoted Young twice.
* 2021 Complaint: An agent filed a complaint about Young’s “volatile” phone calls and “inappropriate comments” towards subordinates. It’s unclear if any action was taken.
* Colleague Concerns: Other agents reportedly felt something was “off” with Young,specifically expressing concerns about his handling of firearms.
* Attempt to Downplay Incident: After the 2022 gun incident, a high-ranking DEA official allegedly tried to dissuade Doherty from reporting the attack to the police.
* Perceived Protection: Doherty testified that he felt the agency was trying to protect Young after the gun incident.
Current Status:
* Free on Bond: Young is currently released on bond.
* Defense Strategy: His attorney plans to seek entry into a diversion program due to mental health issues.
* DEA Silence: The DEA is currently unable to comment due to the federal government shutdown, but has previously declined to comment on reporting about Young.
In essence, the article paints a picture of a troubled agent with a history of concerning behavior who was repeatedly given increased responsibility by the DEA, and whose actions were potentially covered up or downplayed by agency officials.