Two Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputies have pleaded guilty to federal charges for abusing their law enforcement authority to assist jailed cryptocurrency entrepreneur Adam Iza, known as "The Godfather," in extorting victims. David Anthony Rodriguez, 43, pleaded guilty to conspiracy against rights, while Christopher Michael Cadman, 33, admitted to conspiracy against rights and filing a false tax return.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, both deputies misused their positions while working as private security for Iza—operator of crypto trading firm Zort, accused of laundering illicit funds. In August 2021, Cadman and another deputy held a victim at gunpoint in Iza's Bel Air mansion, forcing a $25,000 bank transfer to Iza. Cadman later orchestrated an unlawful traffic stop against the same victim in September 2021.
Rodriguez fabricated a robbery investigation in July 2022 to obtain a search warrant and GPS data, which he shared with co-conspirators, including deputy Eric Chase Saavedra, to intimidate a victim. Saavedra pleaded guilty in February to similar charges. Cadman admitted receiving $40,500 in unreported cash from Iza, owing $11,000 in federal taxes.
Iza pleaded guilty in January 2025 to conspiracy, wire fraud, and tax evasion after laundering millions through fake tech ventures and stealing $37 million via Facebook ad hacks. He and ex-partner Iris Ramaya Au spent over $10 million on luxury goods while evading taxes. Rodriguez faces up to 10 years in prison at his November 10 sentencing; Cadman risks 13 years. Iza awaits December 15 sentencing with a maximum 35-year term.