Former LA deputy gets 5 years in prison for aiding ‘Crypto Godfather’ extortion scheme

Michael David Coberg, a 44-year-old former Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy and helicopter pilot, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $127,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion and conspiracy against rights. Coberg abused his position to assist Adam Iza, known as the “Crypto Godfather,” in targeting business rivals through intimidation and threats of violence. In one incident, Coberg stood by while Iza forced a victim to transfer $127,000. In another plot, Coberg and co-conspirators orchestrated a staged arrest of a victim lured to Los Angeles. Coberg's sentencing is part of a broader case against Iza, who is awaiting sentencing for charges related to a wider network involved in intimidation, fraud, and plotting to steal up to $100 million in crypto assets.

(Source：The Block)