A stunning case of weed in jail has shaken the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office and raised questions about accountability and integrity within law enforcement. Sheriff Paul Miyamoto’s brother-in-law, Juel Perez De Leon, faced criminal charges after allegedly smoking and growing marijuana inside County Jail No. 3 in San Bruno—where he worked as a plumber.
The incident took place over Memorial Day weekend in 2022, when another employee reported finding De Leon smoking weed in jail during work hours. The colleague stated that De Leon appeared to be using cannabis repeatedly throughout the day, even jokingly responding, “I’m a bad boy,” when confronted. The situation escalated when rumors surfaced that De Leon might also be cultivating weed in jail lockers using grow lights and starter plants.
Sheriff Miyamoto’s office said the sheriff had no role in the investigation but confirmed that De Leon was fired “once presented with the information.” Prosecutors later charged De Leon with misdemeanor burglary for allegedly entering the facility with intent to commit a felony. He eventually pleaded no contest to an infraction involving fewer than six marijuana plants, leading to the dismissal of the more serious charges.
This unusual weed in jail case drew further attention because of Miyamoto’s recent controversies. The sheriff had already faced criticism for rehiring a friend who admitted to lying to the FBI during an organized crime probe and for endorsing an immigration hard-liner for governor. The revelation that his own family member was caught with weed in jail only fueled public scrutiny.
His attorney, Ace Lipton, emphasized that De Leon was a medical marijuana user and suggested that the alleged plants were “tiny” rather than part of a major operation. Still, the fact that anyone would be found smoking or cultivating weed in jail raised serious concerns about oversight and workplace discipline within the sheriff’s department.
The broader issue of weed in jail highlights the complex relationship between evolving cannabis laws and correctional environments. While marijuana use is legal in California, it remains prohibited in correctional facilities and among government employees on duty. This case underscores how blurred the lines can become when legal cannabis intersects with law enforcement.
Ultimately, the weed in jail scandal involving Sheriff Miyamoto’s brother-in-law serves as a reminder that no one is above accountability even within the ranks of those sworn to uphold the law.