Two Los Angeles County Sheriff deputies have pleaded guilty to participating in an extensive cryptocurrency extortion scheme orchestrated by Adam Iza, a jailed crypto mogul, revealing significant corruption within law enforcement-private security collaborations.
David Anthony Rodriguez and Christopher Michael Cadman admitted to assisting Iza in criminal activities, including illegal surveillance, GPS tracking of victims, and coercing payments through intimidation while leveraging their law enforcement authority.
Cadman faces a potential prison sentence of up to 13 years, Rodriguez faces up to 10 years, and Adam Iza could receive up to 35 years when sentenced on December 15.
The deputies received monthly payments of up to $280,000 for their involvement, with Iris Ramaya Au, Iza’s ex-girlfriend, pleading guilty to facilitating bribes and filing false tax returns.
This case exposes critical vulnerabilities in off-duty law enforcement engagements and underscores the urgent need for increased oversight to prevent similar abuses in policing and the cryptocurrency sector.