Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies arrested Jeanine John Taele, 38, on Sunday at Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles in Rancho Palos Verdes after finding his vehicle in the parking lot and discovering a loaded pistol and a 16-round magazine, according to NPR reporting published Aug. 5.

Taele was taking photos and video and appeared to be watching security preparations two days before a Trump fundraiser at the golf course. He had a 16-round magazine loaded with ammunition in his pocket, and a loaded pistol was found in his car. The arrest was announced as Trump prepared to arrive for a Republican National Committee fundraising dinner at the property.

The sheriff's department said Taele was already under investigation by the El Segundo Police Department for robbery when deputies contacted him Sunday. That robbery investigation began before the golf course arrest.

Law enforcement searched Taele's home in Downey, California, on Monday. Officers found firearms, magazines, ammunition, body armor, and notebooks containing concerning statements, NPR reported. The department said there is no credible threat to communities connected to the arrest.

Taele was charged with felonies including second-degree robbery, receiving a large-capacity magazine, and possession of a short-barreled rifle or shotgun. He also faces a misdemeanor count of carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle. Earlier booking records from Aug. 4 had listed charges of carrying a concealed firearm and possession of armor-piercing or prohibited ammunition.

Taele pleaded not guilty to all charges on Monday. Bail was set at $250,000. A court ordered him to stay away from the golf course and not possess weapons.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, led by Sheriff Robert G. Luna, has nearly 18,000 budgeted sworn and professional staff. Luna is the 34th sheriff of Los Angeles County.

The broader context here is one of venue security. Taele was able to move through the parking lot with a loaded firearm and a high-capacity magazine while conducting what appeared to be pre-event surveillance. That will require review by both the sheriff's department and the Secret Service, which holds primary responsibility for protective planning for a former president. Think of it like a stadium security team discovering someone scoping out entry points and camera placements before a major event — it raises the question of how the person got as far as they did.

The recovery of body armor, additional firearms, and notebooks from Taele's home adds to the El Segundo Police Department's robbery investigation. It also expands the body of evidence beyond what deputies initially found at the golf course parking lot.

Taele is in custody. No further court schedule has been disclosed.

Source: NPR