The president-elected of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) was arrested on Wednesday in Washington D.C. going through security at one of the U.S. Capitol buildings with a 9-mm Ruger handgun in his bag.

Ron Prestage, a veterinarian and part of family-owned Prestage Farms of South Carolina, was charged with carrying a pistol without a license. Reports indicate Prestage has a concealed carry permit in South Carolina but the charge carries up to five years in prison in the District of Columbia. He is scheduled to appear before a judge this morning.

NPPC officials have issued no comment except to say Prestage was not on “official” organization business at the capitol Wednesday. However, a National Hot Dog day lunch was held for Congress Wednesday, sponsored by the American Meat Institute, which is closely affiliated with NPPC. Prestage was wearing a name tag to indicate he was there with some group, but he has also held leadership positions and is involved in a number of organizations, including the National Turkey Federation, U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians.