They’re accused of facilitating a criminal enterprise led by Adam “The Godfather” Iza
Two Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies have pleaded guilty to participating in a cryptocurrency extortion scheme associated with an in-jail crypto entrepreneur, a Department of Justice announcement revealed. Deputies David Anthony Rodriguez and Christopher Michael Cadman both pleaded guilty to using their law enforcement authority in the course of accepting off-duty security work and ultimately facilitating a criminal enterprise led by Adam Iza, or “The Godfather.”
Rodriguez pleaded guilty to conspiracy against rights, and Cadman has been indicted for the same offense, as well as filing a false tax return. They were both allegedly on Iza’s payroll to intimidate rivals and seize property by using their access to police resources.
Prosecutors recount one August 2021 meeting where Cadman and another deputy allegedly helped to intimidate one of Iza’s competitors. The victim was met at Iza’s Bel Air mansion, where a deputy pointed a gun at him.
One Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy charged, another deputy pleads guilty to conspiring to violate civil rights while providing off-duty security for clients https://t.co/qIK0bzZOm6
— US Attorney L.A. (@USAO_LosAngeles) July 14, 2025
Soon after, the victim wired $25,000 to Iza’s bank account. Cadman then helped to facilitate arranging for the arrest of the victim after he was stopped in a traffic stop the following month. He also failed to report more than $40,000 in side income.
Rodriguez pleaded guilty in July 2022 to lying before a judge to obtain a search warrant on false pretenses. He then employed the warrant to track a victim’s phone for a private client unrelated to an actual case of an investigation into a robbery. The data was then passed on to another deputy, Eric Saavedra, whom Iza also employed. Saavedra had already pleaded guilty and faces up to 13 years in prison.
The larger operation involved shell companies and high-end purchases made with funds extorted from the public. Iza’s ex-girlfriend, Iris Ramaya Au, also pleaded guilty to tax fraud as part of the operation.
Rodriguez is eligible for up to 10 years in prison and is scheduled for sentencing in November. Cadman may get up to 13 years. Iza, who reportedly paid deputies as much as $280,000 a month, is scheduled for sentencing in December.
