California Inmate Sentenced In Scheme To Deliver Drugs Into Prison By Drone

CBS Bay Area

June 4, 2025

An inmate at a California correctional facility has been sentenced for his role in a scheme where drugs, phones and other items were delivered to the prison by drones, federal prosecutors said.

Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California Michele Beckwith announced that 48-year-old Michael Ray Costa received a five-year prison term. Acosta is an inmate at Pleasant Valley State Prison near Coalinga in Fresno County.

Prosecutors said Acosta pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and posses with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin and marijuana. Acosta was one of five people charged in "Operation Night Drop", a multi-agency investigation targeting drone incursions over prisons.

Click here for the full story via CBS Bay Area

CBS Local Digital Media personalizes the global reach of CBS-owned and operated television and radio stations with a local perspective.