LA Sheriff Deputies Admit Role in Crypto Extortion Scheme
Two Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies pleaded guilty to abusing their law enforcement authority to assist in a crypto extortion ring operated by a local figure known as ‘The Godfather.’ The case exposes troubling vulnerabilities where law enforcement corruption intersects with cryptocurrency crimes.
Deputies’ Criminal Involvement
David Anthony Rodriguez and Christopher Michael Cadman admitted to conspiracy charges for helping Adam Iza, operator of crypto platform Zort. Iza previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud, tax evasion, and rights conspiracy charges stemming from this scheme.
Extortion Tactics Revealed
- Cadman participated in an armed confrontation that coerced a victim into transferring $25,000
- Rodriguez fraudulently obtained search warrants to track victims’ locations
- Deputies accessed confidential law enforcement databases to intimidate targets
Legal Consequences
The Justice Department secured plea deals carrying substantial prison sentences: up to 10 years for Rodriguez, 13 for Cadman, and 35 for ringleader Iza. This case underscores the importance of oversight in cryptocurrency regulation and law enforcement accountability.
