Former Los Angeles County deputy sentenced for heroin smuggling

Michael Meiser, a 41-year-old former Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy, has been sentenced to 67 months in federal prison for his role in a heroin smuggling operation. Meiser pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.

Federal prosecutors stated that Meiser used his position within an intelligence and investigative unit to smuggle approximately one pound of heroin into the North County Correctional Facility in Castaic. The drugs were concealed inside two Pringles potato chip canisters. The heroin, valued at approximately $226,000, was intended for inmates controlled by the Mexican Mafia.

In exchange for the narcotics, Meiser received cash bribes and digital payments via Cash App. Investigators recovered $15,000 in cash from Meiser during his arrest and an additional $10,500 at his home. Following his prison term, Meiser is ordered to serve four years of supervised release.