In a shocking revelation, two deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) have admitted to leveraging their law enforcement status to assist in the extortion of victims on behalf of a notorious local crypto mogul, commonly referred to as “The Godfather.” This case exemplifies a troubling intersection of cryptocurrency, corruption, and abuse of power within law enforcement.
The U.S. Justice Department reported on Monday that deputies David Anthony Rodriguez and Christopher Michael Cadman have pled guilty to multiple charges including conspiracy against rights. Their illicit activities involved not only collaborating with the crypto mogul Adam Iza, but also carrying out threatening behavior towards victims, including an incident where one was held at gunpoint.
Documents reveal that Cadman, alongside another unnamed deputy, intimidated a victim in August 2021. They threatened him in Iza’s Bel Air mansion, compelling him to transfer approximately $25,000 to Iza shortly after the encounter. This incident underscores the severe ramifications of law enforcement personnel misusing their authority for personal gain.
Rodriguez’s involvement included obtaining search warrants under false pretenses to aid Iza in locating victims. He admitted to lying to a judge, asserting that a warrant was associated with a robbery investigation when, in fact, it was utilized to track a victim’s phone. This ruthless exploitation of police resources is a stark reminder of the potential for corruption within systems designed to protect communities.
These deputies received substantial financial compensations, reportedly up to $280,000 per month, showcasing the disturbing extent to which criminal enterprises can infiltrate law enforcement. Iza even referred to the deputies as his “pawns,” highlighting a dynamic of power entangled within the corrupt framework of this operation.
- Cadman’s Sentencing: Facing a maximum of 13 years.
- Rodriguez’s Sentencing: Scheduled for Nov. 10, with a potential 10-year prison term.
- Iza’s Charges: Includes conspiracy, wire fraud, and tax evasion, with sentencing set for Dec. 15.
In addition, Iza’s criminal activity has led to broader implications, as his ex-girlfriend pleaded guilty to tax fraud for her role in the operations. This swirling scandal not only reflects upon the individuals involved but also raises questions about the integrity of the systems that enable such egregious misconduct.
This case poses significant challenges for public trust and safety. As investigations continue, it underscores the need for increased accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies, particularly in the era of rapidly evolving financial technologies like cryptocurrency.
