A Downey, California, man is facing a federal firearms charge after authorities say he was found carrying ammunition and had a loaded handgun in his pickup truck at Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles during an investigation tied to advance security preparations for President Donald Trump’s visit to the property.
Federal prosecutors announced Tuesday that 38-year-old Jeanine John Taele has been charged in a criminal complaint with possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle. The charge stems from an investigation that began at the Rancho Palos Verdes golf club ahead of Trump’s Aug. 4 visit.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, federal agents conducting a security assessment on July 31 noticed Taele walking throughout the golf course while wearing an earpiece and taking photos and video of security-planning activities. Officials say he later left the property but returned two days later.
Claimed to Be Part of a Security Detail
When Taele returned to the golf club on Aug. 2, investigators say he approached federal agents and claimed he worked for the U.S. State Department and was there as part of a security detail. During the encounter, Taele told agents there was a loaded firearm inside his vehicle parked at the golf club, according to federal prosecutors. The release does not explain how the subject of the firearm came up during the conversation.
Federal agents contacted the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and deputies responded to the property. Authorities say deputies learned Taele was wanted in connection with a robbery case out of El Segundo and detained him.
Deputies found a 16-round magazine loaded with hollow-point ammunition in Taele’s pocket, prosecutors say. A subsequent search of his pickup truck uncovered a loaded 9mm pistol, binoculars, and a badge identifying him as a “security protection agent.”
Search of Home Uncovered Additional Weapons
The investigation continued the following day when authorities searched Taele’s residence. Federal prosecutors say agents recovered an illegally modified AR-platform rifle, additional firearms, body armor, high-capacity magazines, an earpiece, two radio signal devices, and multiple notebooks containing what officials described as concerning statements.
Officials have not publicly disclosed what was written in the notebooks or explained why the statements were considered concerning. They also have not announced a motive.
“While we are still investigating the motives of this individual, we are thankful he was apprehended before the President’s visit,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement.
Patrick Grandy, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, said Taele’s actions “raised serious red flags for law enforcement.” The investigation involves the FBI, Secret Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Federal charges filed against a California man after an investigation tied to suspicious activity during the advance security planning for last night’s visit to Los Angeles. https://t.co/nBGa0OnxeI pic.twitter.com/MsRULAiWLa
— U.S. Secret Service Office of Communications (@SecretSvcSpox) August 5, 2026
Federal and State Cases Pending
In addition to the federal firearms charge, Taele is facing separate criminal charges in Los Angeles Superior Court stemming from the same incident. Authorities have not publicly accused him of plotting an attack on the president, and officials say they are still investigating his motives and intentions.
Taele is expected to make his initial appearance in federal court in downtown Los Angeles. The criminal complaint contains allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.