TLDR
Two LASD deputies admitted to using police powers to aid crypto extortion schemes.
The deputies took payments to file false warrants and access police databases.
Victims were threatened at gunpoint and forced to transfer crypto funds.
Adam Iza paid as much as $280,000 monthly to deputies he called “pawns.”
Two Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies have admitted to using their law enforcement roles to help a local crypto figure, Adam Iza, extort victims. While working off-duty as private security, the deputies used their authority to file false warrants, intimidate individuals, and access confidential data in exchange for large payments.
Deputies Used Law Enforcement Powers While Working Private Security
Two deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) have pleaded guilty to federal charges after helping a known crypto trader extort victims.
The Department of Justice confirmed that David Anthony Rodriguez and Christopher Michael Cadman abused their police authority while moonlighting as private security guards.
One Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy charged, another deputy pleads guilty to conspiring to violate civil rights while providing off-duty security for clients https://t.co/qIK0bzZOm6
— US Attorney L.A. (@USAO_LosAngeles) July 14, 2025
Rodriguez admitted to conspiracy against rights, while Cadman admitted to the same charge and filing a false tax return. Both officers were paid by Adam Iza, who ran the now-defunct crypto trading firm Zort and went by aliases including “The Godfather.”
Victims Threatened and Coerced Using False Police Action
Prosecutors stated that Cadman helped intimidate a victim in 2021. During a meeting at Iza’s Bel Air mansion, another deputy pointed a gun at the victim.
As a result, the victim transferred $25,000 to Iza’s account. The following month, Cadman organized a traffic stop that led to the same victim’s arrest.
Authorities added that Cadman failed to report over $40,000 in income on his tax return. He is expected to appear in court soon and could face up to 13 years in prison.
False Warrants Used to Track and Harass Crypto Victim
Rodriguez confessed to lying in a court affidavit to obtain a warrant in July 2022. The warrant was issued under false claims of a robbery investigation but was used to obtain the GPS location of a victim’s phone. He shared the location with Eric Chase Saavedra, another LASD deputy hired by Iza.
The Department of Justice said the data was used to threaten and harass the target. Rodriguez is set to be sentenced on November 10 and could face up to 10 years in prison. Saavedra, who pleaded guilty in February, is currently out on $50,000 bond and awaits sentencing.
Crypto Trader Called Deputies His “Pawns”
According to court filings, Iza referred to the deputies as “pawns” and claimed to pay them as much as $280,000 monthly. FBI investigators recovered messages showing Iza using police database information to intimidate a victim, including sharing personal photos and data.
Prosecutors said Iza used this information to pressure a victim into giving up a crypto-filled laptop. His ex-girlfriend, Iris Ramaya Au, also admitted to filing a false tax return and helped funnel over $2.6 million in funds through shell companies.
She used the funds to pay deputies and buy luxury homes, cars, and other goods.
Iza pleaded guilty in January to conspiracy against rights, wire fraud, and tax evasion. His sentencing is set for December 15, and he faces a maximum of 35 years in prison.
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