Two former Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies have admitted to using their law enforcement positions to help a self-described “crypto Godfather” target and intimidate his business rivals. The deputies—Christopher Michael Cadman, 33, and David Anthony Rodriguez, 43—were paid by Adam Iza, a 24-year-old businessman who orchestrated a scheme using private security side jobs to harass competitors in the cryptocurrency industry.

Cadman, along with another deputy, held one of Iza’s rivals at gunpoint inside Iza’s Bel Air mansion, forcing the victim to transfer $25,000 directly to Iza. The following month, Cadman organized a staged traffic stop that led to the arrest of the same victim, again as part of Iza’s intimidation campaign. Cadman admitted he received cash payments for his involvement and that he failed to report $40,500 in income on his federal tax return.

Meanwhile, Rodriguez secured a search warrant under false pretenses, allowing him to track another victim’s cell phone GPS data. He shared this location with co-conspirators, including former deputy Eric Chase Saavedra, leading to further harassment and intimidation. Rodriguez pleaded guilty to conspiracy against rights, while Cadman is expected to plead guilty to conspiracy against rights and filing a false tax return. Both have been terminated from the Sheriff’s Department.

Adam Iza himself has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy against rights, wire fraud, and tax evasion and remains in federal custody awaiting sentencing. The case has spotlighted a disturbing abuse of power, with federal prosecutors and investigators from the FBI and IRS emphasizing that these actions do not reflect the values of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Sentencing hearings for the deputies are expected later this year, with both facing substantial prison time for their roles in the crypto intimidation scheme.