A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy is now facing federal drug and weapons charges in a Castaic jail.

Michael Meiser, 39, assigned to investigate gang activity at Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges that he smuggled heroin into the jail while armed with his department-issued firearm.

Meiser pleaded not guilty in the U.S. District Court to two federal charges: possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

He was released on $20,000 bail pending trial.

According to the federal indictment, “on or about April 30, 2024, in Los Angeles County (Meiser) knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute… approximately 128 grams, of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I narcotic drug controlled substance.”

The second count charges that Meiser was in possession of a Smith & Wesson handgun “in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.”

Meiser was already facing related charges in Los Angeles County Superior Court, accusing him of conspiring with gang members to distribute heroin within the North County Correctional Facility, in the same Castaic complex, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Sheriff’s Department detectives from the Internal Criminal Investigations Bureau arrested Meiser as he and his partner left the jail parking lot on April 30, 2024. 

Earlier that day, investigators searched a bag Meiser allegedly left in a patrol vehicle and found over a pound of heroin hidden inside two Pringles cans, according to law enforcement records cited in the Los Angeles Times article.

If convicted, Meiser could also face criminal forfeiture of any property linked to the offenses, including his department-issued weapon. 

The indictment notes that the U.S. government intends to seize “any and all property… constituting or derived from… any such offense,” as well as “any firearm… used in any such offense.”

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has not released a statement regarding Meiser’s current employment status or whether an internal investigation is ongoing. 

His attorney did not respond to a request for comment from the Los Angeles Times.

Meiser’s next court appearance in federal court is scheduled for June 3, 2025.

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