San Benito County Sheriff’s Deputy Arrested for Allegedly Loaning Assault Rifle to Minor

A San Benito County deputy was arrested for allegedly giving an AR-15-style rifle to a 17-year-old. The incident occurred during a private dinner in Gilroy.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 10:08 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Macomb Daily

Law Enforcement Officer Facing Charges Over Firearm Transfer

A San Benito County sheriff’s deputy is facing criminal charges after an investigation revealed he allegedly loaned a high powered firearm to a high school student. According to statements released on Tuesday by San Benito County Sheriff Eric Taylor, the deputy was arrested on suspicion of providing an AR-15-style rifle and accompanying ammunition to a 17-year-old male. The arrest follows a multi-agency probe into the transfer of the weapon, which is categorized as a serious breach of both departmental policy and California state law regarding the distribution of firearms to minors.

Private Dinner Party Serves as Backdrop for Incident

The transaction reportedly took place on February 21 during a private dinner event held in the city of Gilroy. Details provided by Sheriff Taylor indicate that the deputy allowed the teenager to take possession of the semi-automatic rifle during the social gathering, though the specific intent behind the loan remains part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities have not yet disclosed the nature of the relationship between the deputy and the student, but they have confirmed that the exchange occurred in a non-professional setting outside the scope of the deputy's official duties.

Intervention by Retired Federal Agent Prevents Further Escalation

The recovery of the AR-15-style rifle was facilitated by a retired agent from the Drug Enforcement Administration. According to official reports, the retired federal officer became aware of the situation and acted at the request of concerned parties to secure the weapon from the teenager. This intervention proved critical in returning the firearm to proper custody before any potential misuse could occur. The involvement of a former DEA agent underscores the gravity of the situation and the immediate alarm triggered by a minor possessing such a platform.