An extensive drug smuggling ring operating within Los Angeles County jails has led to the indictment of 18 individuals, including a sheriff’s deputy, following a grand jury investigation.
Officials Expose Criminal Network
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the unsealing of the indictment on Tuesday, revealing a highly coordinated operation involving both inmates and outside conspirators. The smuggling ring was linked to associates of the Mexican Mafia prison gang, authorities said.
Of those charged, half are already incarcerated, while the remaining individuals—including Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Deputy Michael Meiser—were living outside of jail at the time of the indictment.
Meiser, who was arrested in May 2023, previously worked at the North County Correctional Facility in Castaic as part of the jail’s anti-gang investigative unit.
Long-Running Investigation Uncovers Smuggling Operation
The case originated in February 2022 after reports surfaced about narcotics entering the jail system. The investigation gained further urgency following a violent inmate assault around the same time.
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Law enforcement agencies, including the LASD Major Crimes Bureau and the FBI’s San Gabriel Valley Safe Streets Task Force, spent years unraveling the scheme before presenting evidence to the grand jury.
List of Those Indicted
Authorities identified the 18 individuals charged in the case as:
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Non-inmates:
- Angel Grajales, 33, Arleta
- Arianna Inocente, 22, Norwalk
- Daniel Arochi Gonzalez, 24, Carson
- Frank Rodriquez, 31, Los Angeles
- Jesse Quintero, 44, Hacienda Heights
- Jose Trancito Martinez, 36, Long Beach
- Marco Lujan, 47, Pomona
- Michael Meiser, 39, Lancaster
- Salma Haro, 24, Long Beach
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Inmates:
- Andy Dominquez, 30
- Ariel Pereyra, 28
- Daniel Garcia, 38
- David Fraysure, 27
- Jackie Triplett, 40
- Jessie Abdon, 24
- Jose Rodriguez, 47
- Pharoah Brooks, 47
Prosecutors Vow to Clean Up Jail System
Hochman emphasized that authorities remain committed to rooting out corruption and preventing criminal activity inside the justice system.
“Corruption and criminal networks operating within our jails will not be tolerated,” Hochman stated. “Ensuring our jail system is secure is vital to protecting public safety and reducing crime within our communities.”
The case is scheduled for a court hearing on March 27 in downtown Los Angeles.
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