Ex-LA Sheriff’s Deputy Pleads Guilty to Conspiring with Corrupt Cryptocurrency Figure
LOS ANGELES, CA – In a shocking turn of events, Michael David Coberg, a 44-year-old former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy, pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges for helping a corrupt cryptocurrency figure extort a rival and arrange a sham illegal drug possession arrest.
According to court documents, Coberg worked with Adam Iza, a 25-year-old self-proclaimed ‘Godfather,’ who was engaged in fraudulent marketing and cryptocurrency schemes. Iza has been in federal custody since September 2024 and awaits a December 15 sentencing date after pleading guilty to federal charges.
Coberg’s contract with Iza allowed him to work as a business partner and advisor, rather than simply working security shifts. Coberg and Iza planned to start a business selling anabolic steroids and Coberg was paid at least $20,000 per month for his services.
Participation in Extortion
In October 2021, Coberg accompanied other security guards to pick up a victim whose business partner was having a financial dispute with Iza. After transporting the victim to Iza’s residence, Iza displayed a firearm and demanded that the victim transfer $127,000 to a bank account Iza controlled. Coberg informed the victim that he was an active-duty law enforcement officer and interrogated the victim about the financial dispute.
False Traffic Stop and Arrest
In September 2021, Coberg conspired with Iza and others to lure another victim from Miami to Los Angeles to set up the victim and cause him to be arrested with illegal narcotics. Coberg and other co-conspirators set up a plan in which the victim’s ex-girlfriend called the victim and pretended to be interested in pursuing a romantic relationship to convince the victim to fly to Los Angeles. With Coberg’s advice and counseling, the co-conspirator purchased the airplane ticket for the victim and picked him up at Los Angeles International Airport.
Defendant Information
Defendant: Michael David Coberg
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to commit extortion and conspiracy against rights
City and State: Los Angeles, California
Crime Date: 2021
Sentence: Awaiting sentencing
Dollar Amounts: $20,000 per month, $127,000
Current Status: Awaiting sentencing
Related Federal Cases
- Vimoon Sortsoy, Counterfeit Methamphetamine Pills, Massachusetts 2021 · New Hampshire
- Christopher Guilford, Tax Refund Scheme, California 2025 · Alaska
- Frank Hamilton Sentenced to 5.5 Years for SBA Scam, California, 2023 · Texas
- Amy Evangelista, Tax Fraud, California 2023 · California
- Amy Evangelista, Tax Evasion, California 2026 · New York
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Violent Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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