Deputy Loaned AR-15 Rifle, Ammo To High School Student: Sheriff

GILROY, CA — A San Benito County Sheriff’s Office deputy is accused of loaning an assault rifle and ammunition to a Bay Area high school student, authorities said.

Deputy Ryan Miller is facing a felony charge of distributing an assault weapon and a misdemeanor charge of loaning or transferring a firearm to a minor, according to the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office.

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Miller loaned an AR-15 rifle to the 17-year-old student during a private dinner in Gilroy, San Benito County Sheriff Eric Taylor said in a statement on Tuesday.

The teen's family appears to have notified a retired DEA agent about the incident. The agent took the gun and turned it over to the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office, Taylor said.

Afterward, Miller was placed on administrative leave while the agency investigated the claims, Taylor said.

"As our internal affairs investigation progressed, it became clear to me that a felony had been committed," Taylor said.

Taylor notified the Gilroy Police Department about the incident, since it happened in their jurisdiction, authorities said

The department, which is in Santa Clara County, launched its own investigation into the incident, authorities said.

The department was able to get enough evidence to secure an arrest warrant for Miller, who surrendered to the Santa Clara Sheriff's Office, Taylor said.

Taylor said he isn't able to share more information about the specifics of the investigation because of restrictions placed by the Peace Officer Bill of Rights, but reassured the public that his agency is "following the law to ensure a just outcome."

"We professionalized policing decades ago in this state for a reason. We need to attract, hire and retain the BEST candidates in a very competitive arena," said in a statement. "Even when faced with dwindling numbers of Deputy Sheriffs willing to take lower pay to serve us here, I will not lower the standard."