Eighteen individuals, including Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Deputy Michael Meiser, are currently under indictment for their involvement in a jail drug smuggling operation. According to the joint investigation, which began in 2022, this operation is alleged to have connections with the Mexican Mafia prison gang.
The CBS News Los Angeles report details that the indictment spans 51 pages and includes multiple charges such as conspiracy to sell a controlled substance, being part of a criminal gang, and extortion, among others. District Attorney Nathan Hochman has emphasized the importance of integrity within the justice system, declaring that "Corruption and criminal activity will not be tolerated in our justice system — especially within our jails," adding that the safety of the correctional facilities is key to public safety and that those betraying public trust will be prosecuted aggressively.
The investigation that uncovered the operation involved the LASD's Major Crimes Bureau and the FBI's San Gabriel Valley Safe Streets Task Force, according to KTLA. Deputy Meiser, who worked as an investigator in the jail’s anti-gang unit and was arrested last May, reportedly played a significant role in the operation. The list of defendants includes both inmates and individuals not in custody.
In a statement made by the District Attorney's Office, Hochman extended his commendations to the law enforcement bodies responsible for the investigation and to the dedicated prosecutors in the Prison Crimes Unit, "Cleaning up our jail system is critical to breaking the cycle of crime that spills over into our communities. We will continue to root out corruption and ensure that those responsible for endangering public safety are held accountable.” A pretrial hearing for all defendants is set for March 27, where they will be brought before the court to face the charges levied against them.
