LOS ANGELES, California — A cryptocurrency businessman known as “The Godfather” and a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy have agreed to plead guilty to federal charges, including conspiracy and civil rights violations, the Justice Department announced. The charges involve intimidation, extortion, and abuse of police power targeting multiple victims in Los Angeles.
Adam Iza, a 24-year-old with residences in Beverly Hills and Newport Coast, faces charges of conspiracy against rights, wire fraud, and tax evasion. He has been in federal custody since September 2024. Eric Chase Saavedra, a 41-year-old from Chino and an LASD deputy, is charged with conspiracy against rights and subscribing to a false tax return.
Both Iza and Saavedra are expected to appear in United States District Court in Los Angeles soon. “When law enforcement officers violate their oath, they betray not only the public but also the vast majority of officers who do the job the right way,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “The conduct admitted to in these plea agreements is deeply disturbing and cannot be tolerated.”…