Ronald Prestage.

WASHINGTON – Ronald Prestage entered a not guilty plea to a felony gun charge. Prestage was arraigned July 24 in DC Superior Court. He was released until his next court date.

Prestage a veterinarian with Prestage Farms and president-elect of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) was arrested July 23 after police at the US Capitol building confiscated a 9mm handgun from Prestage. It was in his briefcase, according to court records. The incident occurred at the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill.

Prestage has a permit to carry a concealed weapon in South Carolina, but he does not have a concealed carry permit in the District of Columbia, according to court documents.