Former California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation employee, Keith Reindeer Randle, pleaded guilty in federal court today to charges of possession with intent to distribute over 300 grams of methamphetamine to inmates at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. Randle, 56, of Vallejo, California, admitted to a years-long scheme that involved smuggling various contraband into the prison.
The scheme, which ran from at least January 2019 through August 15, 2024, involved Randle soliciting and accepting bribery payments from inmates and their associates. He charged approximately $1,000 per item, including methamphetamine, marijuana, and tobacco. Randle was apprehended on August 15, 2024, inside San Quentin with a hollowed-out peanut butter jar containing 301 grams of methamphetamine and marijuana, disguised to appear unopened.
Randle significantly profited from his illicit activities, admitting to receiving over $100,000 in bribery payments. Payments were initially made directly by inmates but later shifted to their associates via PayPal, Cash App, and eventually cash, to avoid detection. Federal law enforcement seized $55,210 in cash from Randle’s residences on October 1, 2024, which he admitted were proceeds from the scheme, used to purchase assets like cars and motorcycles.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Cobo announced the plea. Randle faces a maximum statutory penalty of 40 years’ imprisonment and a $5,000,000 fine for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 21, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Susan Illston.