LA Sheriff’s Deputies Charged in Crypto-Linked Civil Rights Conspiracy

Federal prosecutors in California have unveiled a civil rights conspiracy involving two Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies, with one already pleading guilty. The case centers on their illegal activities while providing off-duty security for clients, including a cryptocurrency entrepreneur known as "The Godfather," who operated the trading platform Zort.

Deputy Rodriguez, 43, admitted to collaborating with 24-year-old Adam Iza to further illicit business ventures. Rodriguez abused his authority by obtaining a court-authorized search warrant under false pretenses in July 2022, claiming it was for a robbery investigation. Court documents reveal he accepted cash and cryptocurrency payments for these unlawful acts, facing up to a decade in prison.

Deputy Eric Chase Saavedra was also implicated, using GPS data obtained by Rodriguez to stalk and intimidate a victim. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized that these actions had no place in law enforcement, marking a stark abuse of power.