Crypto 'godfather' who used L.A. sheriff's deputies against his enemies sentenced to prison

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Set us as preferred A self-styled cryptocurrency businessman who paid Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies to set people up for arrest and extort money from others was sentenced Monday to more than six years in prison.Adam Iza, 26, previously admitted to generating tens of millions of dollars through a fraud scheme, concealing millions in income from the IRS and using his wealth to employ and corrupt sworn law enforcement officers.U.S.

District Judge Percy Anderson ordered that Iza’s term run concurrent with a 15-year prison sentence he is currently serving for his involvement in an attempted robbery of Bitcoin and a kidnapping in Connecticut in August 2024 — meaning he will not serve additional time.“He cultivated relationships with sworn law enforcement officers and used those relationships to further his personal and financial interests,” Anderson said.Iza, a former resident of Beverly Hills and Newport Beach, pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy against rights, wire fraud and tax evasion.At least five former sheriff’s deputies tied to the case have been sentenced to prison.“Judge Anderson is a godsend,” Josef Sadat, Iza’s attorney, said following the sentencing hearing Monday.As part of his plea agreement, Iza agreed to forfeit several items purchased as part of the conspiracy, including two Mercedes Benz, a Ferrari and dozens of luxury handbags from Hermes, Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton.

He also handed over a black and yellow Jacob & Co.“Godfather” watch and three “Godfather” sculptures.During the sentencing hearing, Iza said he took “full responsibility” for his actions.“I just want to make it very clear that I’m not here to skirt the law or make excuses,” he said, as one of his family members cried in the gallery.

“I understand what I’ve done and I apologize for it.”Acco...