Former LA County Deputy Pleads Guilty in Extortion Case Tied to Self‑Styled ‘Crypto Godfather’ Amid Allegations of False Arrests

• Guilty plea: former deputy confessed to conspiracy to commit extortion and conspiracy against rights.

• Allegations include staged arrests, armed coercion to force transfers (one reported $127,000), and monthly payouts to the deputy.

• Fraud linked to Zort and Adam Iza reportedly moved $16 million in crypto; sentencing dates run through 2026.

Meta description: LA County deputy crypto extortion: former deputy pleads guilty to conspiring with a ‘crypto godfather’ to stage arrests and extort victims. Read the facts now.

What did the former LA County deputy admit to?

The former deputy admitted to conspiracy to commit extortion and conspiracy against rights after working with Adam Iza, a self‑described “crypto godfather” linked to the fraudulent trading platform Zort. Federal charging documents and a U.S. Attorney’s Office statement lay out staged arrests, victim intimidation, and coerced transfers.

How did the scheme work and who was involved?

The admitted scheme paired off‑duty law enforcement muscle with a fraudulent crypto entrepreneur. The deputy used his badge while off duty to interrogate victims, orchestrate false arrests, and help force victims to transfer funds. Prosecutors allege one victim was forced at gunpoint to hand over $127,000.

Why is this case significant for crypto fraud and law enforcement oversight?

Front-loading the significance: this case demonstrates how criminal misuse of official authority can amplify crypto fraud. Experts describe the combination of fraudulent crypto platforms and law enforcement intimidation as a heightened public‑safety concern that weak oversight of off‑duty work can enable.

What evidence and outcomes have prosecutors presented?

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, plea agreements and charging papers detail coordinated intimidation tactics from 2021, direct coercion of victims, and financial flows tied to Adam Iza’s operations. The deputy faces up to 20 years on the extortion count and up to 10 years on the conspiracy against rights count.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the “crypto godfather” in this case?

Adam Iza is identified in federal filings as the central fraudster behind Zort; he has been in federal custody since September 2024 and is alleged to have acquired $16 million in crypto through fraudulent means.

What penalties does the former deputy face?

The deputy faces statutory maximums of 20 years in prison on the extortion count and 10 years on the conspiracy against rights count; sentencing is scheduled for February 17, 2026.

Were other law enforcement officers involved?

Yes. Other former deputies — Christopher Michael Cadman and David Anthony Rodriguez — have pleaded guilty for related roles; sentencing dates for those individuals are scheduled through 2026. Another former deputy, Eric Chase Saavedra, also admitted guilt earlier this year.

Key Takeaways

• Guilty plea: The former deputy pleaded guilty to extortion and conspiracy against rights in a scheme tied to Adam Iza and the Zort platform.
• Modus operandi: Allegations include staged arrests, on‑duty intimidation used off duty, and forced crypto transfers totaling significant sums.
• Broader risk: This case highlights oversight gaps for off‑duty conduct and the risk of combining official coercion with crypto fraud; victims should document and report abuse.

Conclusion

This prosecution shows a rare but severe intersection of law enforcement abuse and crypto fraud: a former LA County deputy admitted using his position to help extort victims for a fraudulent crypto operation linked to Adam Iza and Zort. Ongoing sentences and further prosecutions through 2026 aim to hold participants accountable; readers should remain vigilant and report suspicious coercion to prosecutors.

Published by COINOTAG. Updated: 2025-09-30.