RANCHO PALOS VERDES, Calif. (KABC) — A man accused of photographing and recording activity while allegedly “appearing to monitor security-planning activities” at President Donald Trump’s Los Angeles-area golf course was arrested Sunday, just days before Trump was expected to visit the region, authorities said.
The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Jeanine John Taele of Downey, was taken into custody after federal agents alerted local authorities to a suspicious person at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes. Taele was arrested on suspicion of carrying a concealed firearm and possessing armor-piercing or otherwise prohibited ammunition.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Taele was observed moving through the golf course property while “taking photographs and videos and appearing to monitor security-planning activities.”
Deputies detained Taele and later learned he was also under investigation by the El Segundo Police Department in connection with a robbery case. Investigators said his vehicle was located in a parking area on the golf course grounds.
The sheriff’s department said deputies found a 16-round magazine loaded with hollow-point ammunition in Taele’s pants pocket.
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A search of his vehicle turned up a loaded pistol with a round in the chamber, along with another loaded magazine containing hollow-point ammunition, authorities said.
Deputies conduct search warrant
Deputies also served a search warrant Sunday at Taele’s home in Downey as part of the ongoing investigation.
- An illegally modified AR platform rifle
- A 1911 .45 caliber pistol
- An AR platform upper receiver
- Bulk pistol and rifle ammunition
- Multiple notebooks containing concerning statements
The FBI and U.S. Secret Service are now involved in the case. The sheriff’s department said Taele could face additional charges as investigators continue reviewing the incident.
Taele remains in custody.
This is a developing story. This article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.
