On Wednesday, the U.S. District Attorney’s Office revealed federal charges against an individual who was captured on camera attacking a sheriff’s deputy in San Bernardino County, seizing her firearm, and subsequently discharging it at her.
At the young age of 26, Ari Aki Young has been charged with several crimes, including possession of a stolen firearm and firing a gun during a violent crime.
In 2023, Young faced serious state charges of attempted murder and assault with a weapon but was eventually acquitted. However, he was found guilty of negligently discharging a firearm and was given a jail sentence of eighteen months.
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During a news conference held in Riverside on Wednesday, U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada expressed that they are pressing federal felony charges as they believe that justice was not served in the previous proceedings.
On September 4, 2019, a mother called for help regarding her son, Young, who was causing a disturbance. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Meagan McCarthy, formerly Meagan Forsberg, received the call and responded to the scene.
In an interview with ABC-7, the deputy recounted the harrowing incident where Young had confronted McCarthy in the driveway, visibly seething with anger. As she attempted to restrain him, he suddenly turned and grappled for her gun. Eventually, he managed to overpower her and proceeded to unleash a hail of bullets. McCarthy was forced to take cover behind a nearby bush as the chaotic scene unfolded. Fortunately, other deputies soon arrived on the scene and managed to shoot Young multiple times, ultimately subduing him.
According to Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor, federal charges are typically not brought forth in cases where state charges are already applicable, unless there is significant government interest.
According to the dual sovereignty doctrine, it is permissible for two separate agencies to bring charges for the same offense without infringing upon the double jeopardy clause of the 5th Amendment, as long as the crime has an impact on both jurisdictions.
Rahmani stated that things did not go as planned on the state side, which is why the prosecutors are now pursuing federal charges.
The federal complaint reveals that Young stole a gun that belonged to the sheriff’s department and was produced outside the state’s boundaries. The complaint emphasizes that the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department has a substantial budget and purchasing power that significantly impacts interstate and foreign commerce.
Rahmani has pointed out that the charges against the accused include violations of the Hobbs Act, which is concerned with robbery or extortion that has an impact on interstate commerce. He further added that combining the Hobbs Act violation with the theft of a weapon is unusual and could indicate a potential flaw in the government’s case.
According to him, Hobbs Act cases usually have a stronger connection to interstate commerce, such as utilizing a phone to coerce someone into paying money. It is possible that this case may not have such a connection.
He stated that if there is no link to interstate commerce, the case must be dismissed. He also mentioned that this would be quite a stretch.
During the news conference, Estrada was asked about the previous acquittal of Young in the state trial. He responded by stating that he avoids trying to interpret what a jury may or may not be considering during a trial.
According to Estrada, if an individual brutally assaults a law enforcement officer while the officer is performing her duties, it is necessary to press federal charges. This sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
During Wednesday’s news conference, San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon D. Dicus expressed his shock towards the verdict against Young and highlighted the increasing violence against police officers. He emphasized that law enforcement officers can also become victims and urged everyone to keep that in mind.
Young’s lawyer contended during the trial that McCarthy had unlawfully detained him.
During the trial, Young’s lawyer acknowledged that his client had fired McCarthy’s gun, but maintained that he had not deliberately aimed at the deputy. In 2023, Young was convicted of negligently discharging a firearm but was acquitted of the more severe charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon against McCarthy. However, the jury was unable to reach a verdict on charges of assaulting a peace officer, removing an officer’s firearm, and resisting arrest.
In utter shock and disbelief, McCarthy shared her thoughts with ABC-7 on the verdict. She emphasized that investigating the possible domestic disturbance was a part of her duty, and she couldn’t have ignored it. As a human being, she tried her best to help the woman in need, but the suspect’s actions led to unfortunate consequences. McCarthy’s words portrayed her dedication and commitment to her job, despite the outcome.
