Former Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Convicted of Acting as Enforcer for Crypto Fraudster, Sentenced to Over 5 Years in Prison

U.S. Department of Justice announced on March 16 that former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Deputy Sheriff and helicopter pilot Michael David Coberg was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $127,000 in restitution for assisting a jailed cryptocurrency scammer in extortion and false arrest operations. Former officer colludes with “Crypto Godfather,” earning at least $20,000 a month According to a press release from the U.S. Central District of California Federal Prosecutor’s Office, 44-year-old Coberg, residing in Eastvale, admitted in September 2025 to conspiracy to commit extortion and conspiracy to violate citizens’ rights. Prosecutors stated that at the time, Coberg was still employed by LASD but secretly worked for 25-year-old Adam Iza, who is now in federal custody. Iza claims to be a cryptocurrency entrepreneur but is involved in fraudulent marketing and crypto scams. He has been federally detained since September 2024, pleaded guilty to related federal charges, and is awaiting sentencing in the coming months. Coberg’s cooperation with Iza was not just security work but involved acting as a “business partner and advisor,” with Iza paying Coberg at least $20,000 per month. In sentencing documents, prosecutors noted that Coberg, who had sworn to uphold the U.S. Constitution and laws, abused the authority symbolized by his badge for personal gain. Extortion case: Victim taken to residence and forced to transfer $127,000 The Department of Justice stated that in October 2021, Coberg accompanied other security personnel to escort a victim, who was targeted due to financial disputes involving their business partner and Iza. After bringing the victim to Iza’s residence, Iza placed a handgun on the table and also had an assault rifle nearby. Coberg claimed to be an active law enforcement officer and monitored and questioned the victim. During this time, Iza forced the victim to transfer $127,000 into an account under his control and recorded the process. Afterwards, Iza’s security personnel took the victim’s passport and returned him to a hotel. The Department further disclosed that the next day, Coberg continued questioning the victim about the financial dispute and the whereabouts of the business partner. Later, Coberg took Iza and the victim to a shooting range inside the residence, where they were left alone. Iza then threatened the victim with a gun, demanding his business partner transfer funds, which the victim did later that evening.