An inmate was sentenced to five years in prison for coordinating drone deliveries of drugs and contraband into Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga as part of a multi-agency investigation. (AP File)
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A California inmate was sentenced Monday to five years in prison for helping orchestrate a drone smuggling operation that delivered drugs and other contraband into a state prison, federal prosecutors said.
Michael Ray Acosta, 48, used a contraband cellphone from inside Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga to coordinate several drone drops between May and August 2021, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith.
The packages contained methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, cellphones, and accessories.
Authorities said Acosta worked with four others — Joshua Gonzalez, Jose Oropeza, Rosendo Ramirez, and David Ramirez Jr. — who flew drones over the facility and dropped the packages for recovery and distribution among inmates.
The case was part of Operation Night Drop, a multi-agency investigation targeting the growing problem of drone incursions at California prisons.
Oropeza is scheduled to be sentenced July 28. David Ramirez is expected to plead guilty that same day. Gonzalez and Rosendo Ramirez are due back in court on June 11.
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