A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy has admitted to attempting to smuggle heroin into the North County Correctional Facility in Castaic. Michael Meiser, 40, of Lancaster, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Thursday. Meiser now faces a federal prison sentence ranging from five to 40 years.
The plea agreement reveals that Meiser, while working as a deputy, conspired with inmates to smuggle narcotics into the jail in exchange for cash payments. On April 24, 2024, Meiser’s relative received $1,500 via Cash App from an individual linked to an inmate. Six days later, Meiser met two women at a Valencia gas station and received a grocery bag containing two Pringles cans filled with approximately 1.1 pounds of heroin and $15,000 in cash, as reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Later that day, Meiser placed the heroin and cash in a green backpack and traveled to the jail with another deputy. He hid the drugs in a radio car’s trunk before being arrested by investigators who found the heroin, cash, and Meiser’s loaded handgun in his possession. The investigation was part of a larger probe into a drug smuggling operation involving Mexican Mafia associates.
Meiser’s sentencing is scheduled for December 11. The case underscores the commitment of law enforcement to maintaining integrity within the justice system, as emphasized by District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who stated that corruption and criminal activity will not be tolerated.
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