Los Angeles Deputies Charged in Civil Rights Conspiracy Linked to Crypto ’Godfather’

Two Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies face federal charges in a civil rights conspiracy tied to Adam Iza, a self-proclaimed cryptocurrency entrepreneur known as 'The Godfather.' David Anthony Rodriguez pleaded guilty to conspiracy against rights, while Christopher Michael Cadman faces similar charges plus tax fraud allegations.

The deputies allegedly abused their law enforcement authority while moonlighting as private security for Iza's firm Zort—a trading operation accused of laundering illicit funds. Prosecutors claim Iza's empire was built on fraudulent tech ventures, including a scheme that stole $37 million from Facebook advertising accounts.

Iza remains in federal custody after pleading guilty to wire fraud, tax evasion, and civil rights violations earlier this year. The case highlights growing concerns about cryptocurrency's intersection with organized crime and corrupt law enforcement.