The feds charged Erik Christopher Younggren, 34, of Cherry Valley, with attempted possession of firearms and dangerous weapons in a federal facility, a misdemeanor offense that carries a sentence of up to one year in federal prison. Younggren drove to a federal facility in downtown Los Angeles and tried to enter with three firearms.  Younggren allegedly tried to enter the employee parking lot under the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and United States Courthouse Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. When stopped by security at the entrance to the parking facility, Younggren initially said he was “a witness” who needed to enter the facility. When the security officer asked if he was armed, Younggren admitted to possession of a handgun and two rifle. A search of his vehicle led to the discovery of two rifles, a .45-caliber semi-automatic firearm and approximately 565 rounds of ammunition. When he was detained by authorities, Younggren was wearing body armor with loaded magazines and knives attached, the complaint alleges. During an interview with Federal Protective Services, Younggren said he went to the Roybal building because he needed “protection…[and he] explained that he was purportedly a confidential informant assigned to a confidential federal task force,” according to the complaint.

A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.