Former Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for Conspiracy with Crypto Tycoon in Extortion Scheme, Earned $20,000 Monthly While on Duty

Odaily News Former Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Michael David Coberg was sentenced on Monday to 63 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. Coberg had previously pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit extortion and conspiracy to violate civil rights.

During the period of his crimes, Coberg served simultaneously as a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy and helicopter pilot, while also working as a private security guard and business partner for crypto tycoon Adam Iza, receiving at least $20,000 per month. Adam Iza, who referred to himself as the "Godfather," operated an illegal criminal network.

In September 2021, Coberg conspired with Iza to lure a victim from Miami to Los Angeles and arrange a fake drug arrest. The following month, the two conspired to extort at least $127,000 from another victim. While Coberg stood guard, Iza recorded the victim transferring their entire bank balance into an account controlled by Iza. Iza then threatened the victim with a gun, demanding that their business partner make a transfer.

Coberg left the sheriff's department in September 2025. Presiding Judge Percy Anderson stated that these actions constituted a "serious abuse of government power." Iza has been in federal custody since September 2024 and has pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to violate rights, wire fraud, and tax evasion.