- Former LASD deputy Scott Simpkins admitted lying during a federal investigation into Adam Iza.
- Prosecutors linked Simpkins to a 2021 incident involving an alleged $25,000 extortion demand.
- Adam Iza faces multiple federal cases involving fraud, robbery, and crypto-related crimes.
A former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison after admitting he obstructed a federal investigation into cryptocurrency businessman Adam Iza.
Scott Allen Simpkins was accused of lying to investigators about witnessing Iza threaten a victim and demand a $25,000 payment during a 2021 incident at a Bel Air mansion.
Simpkins Admitted Lying About 2021 Extortion Incident
In a statement on Monday, U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson sentenced Simpkins and imposed a $10,000 fine after the former deputy pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice. Simpkins resigned from the LASD Special Enforcement Bureau following his felony plea.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, Simpkins worked as a deputy assigned to the LASD Lakewood Station and later served with the department’s Special Enforcement Bureau and SWAT team. He also provided private security services through Saavedra & Associates.
Prosecutors said Simpkins was among several law enforcement officers hired to provide security at Iza’s Bel Air residence during a private party in August 2021.
The company was owned by then-LASD Deputy Eric Chase Saavedra and employed active law enforcement personnel for private security contracts.
After the party, prosecutors said party planner R.C. was removed from the event following allegations of disruptive behavior. The following day, Simpkins and former deputy Christopher Michael Cadman escorted R.C. into Iza’s office at his residence.
Federal authorities alleged that Iza attempted to intimidate R.C. during the meeting by placing several live 9mm rounds on his desk. Prosecutors stated that Iza later demanded a $25,000 transfer from R.C.’s bank account to an account controlled by him.
According to court documents, Simpkins and Cadman escorted R.C. from the property after the payment was completed. Prosecutors said both deputies later benefited financially after helping Saavedra & Associates secure a continued security agreement with Iza.
Simpkins and Cadman each received approximately $1,400 for their work during the party and the August 16 incident. They also received about 10% of the company’s first-month profits from the security contract, according to prosecutors.
Adam Iza Remains Involved in Multiple Federal Cases
The case is part of broader federal investigations involving Adam Iza, who referred to himself as a cryptocurrency businessman and used the nickname “The Godfather.” Iza has remained in federal custody since September 2024 after authorities arrested him over several alleged crimes.
In January 2025, Iza pleaded guilty to conspiracy against rights, wire fraud, and tax evasion charges in California. He is awaiting sentencing in that case.
Additionally, Iza pleaded guilty in June 2026 in the District of Connecticut to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery. The charge relates to an alleged Bitcoin-linked kidnapping and robbery plot in Danbury, Connecticut, in August 2024.
Federal prosecutors said the Connecticut case involved an attempted effort to obtain cryptocurrency connected to a dispute involving stolen Bitcoin. The investigation has also led to guilty pleas from other individuals, including former law enforcement officers.
Former LASD deputy Michael David Coberg is serving a 63-month federal prison sentence after pleading guilty to helping Iza extort an individual and arrange a fraudulent arrest operation. He was also ordered to pay $127,000 in restitution.
The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation led the investigation into the case, while the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department assisted federal authorities throughout the proceedings.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.