A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) deputy is among 18 people indicted in connection with an alleged drug smuggling operation inside LA County jails, authorities announced Tuesday. The indictment, stemming from a joint investigation by LASD and the FBI, also includes allegations of extortion and an attack on an inmate.
Key Details of the Indictment
- Investigation Began: 2022
- Indictment Announced By: LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman
- Alleged Mastermind: Mexican Mafia prison gang
Criminal Charges Include:
- Conspiracy to sell a controlled substance
- Participation in a criminal street gang
- Extortion & conspiracy to commit extortion
- Assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury
- Smuggling drugs into jail facilities
- Possession of a firearm by a felon
District Attorney Nathan Hochman’s Statement:
“Corruption and criminal activity will not be tolerated in our justice system—especially within our jails.”
Deputy Michael Meiser’s Alleged Involvement
Defendant: Michael Meiser, 39, Lancaster, CA (LASD Deputy)
Charges Against Meiser:
- Smuggling drugs into county jails
- Attempting to furnish drugs to inmates
- Conspiring to smuggle drugs
- Gang-related offenses
Surveillance Video Evidence:
- Meiser allegedly handed a bag to another defendant inside a jail facility.
- He was also recorded at a Lancaster gas station receiving a plastic bag containing black tar heroin from a woman before allegedly bringing it into North County Correctional Facility.
