Former California deputy pleads guilty to role in extortion scheme of crypto godfather'

"A former Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputy and helicopter pilot pleaded guilty Monday, Sept. 29, to federal conspiracy charges after he allegedly worked with a cryptocurrency businessman to extort one of the self-proclaimed godfather's rivals and arrange a false arrest of another. Self-dubbed crypto godfather Adam Iza, who allegedly hired Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies as his enforcers. (Courtesy of Jerry Steering) Michael David Coberg, 44, of Eastvale pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion and conspiracy against rights,"

"While employed with the Sheriff's Department, Coberg earned at least an additional $20,000 a month working as a business partner and advisor to Adam Iza, who ran fraudulent marketing and cryptocurrency schemes, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. Iza, formerly of Beverly Hills and Newport Coast, has been in federal custody since September 2024 after pleading guilty to federal charges. His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 15."

"At his home, prosecutors said Iza placed a gun on his desk and pulled out an assault rifle, which was placed on the ground near the desk. Prosecutors allege that Coberg told L.A. he was a law enforcement officer, questioned him about the financial dispute and watched and recorded while Iza demanded L.A. transfer $127,000 to one of his bank accounts."

Michael David Coberg, 44, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion and conspiracy against rights. He separated from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Sept. 4. Coberg served as a deputy and helicopter pilot and earned at least an additional $20,000 a month working as a business partner and advisor to Adam Iza. Iza ran fraudulent marketing and cryptocurrency schemes and has been in federal custody since September 2024, with sentencing scheduled for Dec. 15. In October 2021 Coberg accompanied security to pick up an individual, took him to Iza's home, where weapons were displayed and Iza demanded transfer of $127,000 while Coberg identified himself as law enforcement, questioned and recorded the individual.

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