LOS ANGELES, CA – Deputies arrested a Downey man allegedly carrying ammunition at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes days before President Donald Trump was expected to visit the property for a Republican Party fundraiser, authorities said.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department identified the man as Jeanine John Taele, 38.
Deputies assigned to the Lomita Sheriff’s Station responded to the golf course around 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 2 after plainclothes federal agents reported a suspicious individual on the property, according to LASD.
Authorities said Taele was seen walking on the golf course grounds, taking photographs and videos, and appearing to monitor security-planning activities.
Deputies detained Taele and located his vehicle in the golf course parking lot.
According to the Sheriff’s Department, Taele was carrying a 16-round magazine loaded with hollow-point ammunition in his pants pocket.
“Deputies subsequently searched Taele’s vehicle and recovered a loaded pistol with a round chambered, along with an additional loaded magazine containing hollow-point ammunition,” LASD said.
Taele was arrested on suspicion of carrying a concealed firearm and possessing armor-piercing or otherwise prohibited ammunition.
Information reviewed by Street People indicates Taele was already under investigation in connection with a robbery case being handled by the El Segundo Police Department.
Detectives with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force obtained a search warrant Monday for Taele’s residence in Downey.
During the search, investigators allegedly recovered an illegally modified AR-style rifle, a 1911 .45-caliber pistol, an AR-platform upper receiver, body armor, high-capacity magazines, a large quantity of pistol and rifle ammunition, notebooks containing what investigators described as concerning statements, and two radio-signal devices.
The Sheriff’s Department said the investigation is being conducted in coordination with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the United States Secret Service.
Authorities said additional charges are possible.
“Currently, investigators have identified no credible threat to our communities,” LASD said. “However, this case underscores the importance of vigilance, strong partnerships with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, and the proactive steps taken to identify and investigate suspicious activity before it can escalate.”
Taele pleaded not guilty during an arraignment Tuesday, according to officials. His bail was set at $250,000.
A judge ordered Taele not to leave California, not to possess any weapons and to stay away from Trump National Golf Club.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 26 at the Torrance Courthouse.
The investigation remains ongoing.
