Ex-Deputy Sentenced for Obstructing Justice in Crypto Crime Case

In a significant development within the cryptocurrency world, a former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy, Scott Allen Simpkins, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison. This ruling comes as a result of his efforts to obstruct an investigation into self-proclaimed “crypto magnate” Adam Iza. Simpkins was also fined $10,000 for his actions.

The Case Against Scott Allen Simpkins

Scott Allen Simpkins, aged 34, admitted guilt in March 2026 to one count of obstructing justice. Following this admission, he resigned from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD). The investigation revealed that in 2021, Simpkins worked part-time as a private security guard for Saavedra & Associates. This company provided security services to Adam Iza, also known as “The Godfather.”
After an event at Iza’s Bel-Air estate, Simpkins and another deputy escorted R.C., the event organizer mentioned in court documents, into Iza’s office. Prosecutors allege that Iza threatened R.C. with live ammunition and coerced him into transferring $25,000 to an account under his control. Once the transaction was complete, law enforcement officers escorted the victim out.

The FBI’s Investigation and False Testimonies

The FBI arrested Adam Iza in September 2024. During their investigation, agents warned Simpkins about the legal consequences of giving false testimony. Despite this warning, he falsely claimed not to have witnessed any ammunition or forced money transfers during the incident. Under a plea agreement with investigators, Simpkins later admitted that his statements were false and could have significantly hindered the federal inquiry.
Additionally, after securing a long-term contract between Iza’s firm and Saavedra & Associates Security Company (SASC), both Simpkins and his colleague received extra compensation—about 10% of SASC’s profits for the first month of cooperation.

Awaiting Sentences: Implications for Others Involved

Adam Iza has been detained since September 2024. In January 2025, he pled guilty to conspiracy charges aimed at violating civil rights alongside fraud and tax evasion offenses. By June 2026, he also confessed involvement in robbery conspiracies during attempts to acquire Bitcoin illegally in Connecticut.
Other accused individuals include former Deputy Sheriff Eric Saavedra and Christopher Kedman among others who are still awaiting their sentences. Michael Coberg—a former LASD employee—has already begun serving a 63-month sentence for assisting Iza with extortion schemes alongside orchestrating fake arrests among other crimes; Coberg must also pay $127k as restitution fees towards victims’ compensations.
This case underscores ongoing challenges faced by authorities when tackling complex crimes involving cryptocurrency transactions—a realm notorious for fostering illicit activities due largely attributed towards its decentralized nature making it difficult sometimes track down perpetrators involved therein efficiently enough before damage occurs either financially speaking or otherwise so drastic measures like these become necessary every now again ensure justice served accordingly where warranted under prevailing circumstances surrounding specific situations encountered along way forward addressing such issues encountered head-on wherever possible through vigilant monitoring coupled proactive law enforcement interventions taking place proactively whenever feasible doing utmost protect innocent parties affected negatively indirectly due unscrupulous actions perpetrated malicious actors seeking exploit system vulnerabilities present therein unduly benefiting themselves unfairly expense others involved therein unaware nefarious intentions lurking shadows waiting strike unsuspecting targets unawares catching off guard unsuspecting individuals falling prey deceitful schemes devised cunning perpetrators seeking exploit loopholes systems designed operate fairly transparently ensuring all stakeholders involved treated equitably respect fairness just manner conducive fostering trust confidence amongst community members participating transactions conducted within framework established guidelines regulations governing operations conducted legitimately ethically responsibly manner reflecting positively upon industry overall enhancing credibility reputation associated therewith internationally recognized standards upheld consistently across board promoting responsible behavior ensuring accountability maintained highest levels possible safeguarding interests everybody concerned protecting rights liberties afforded under law everyone equally without bias discrimination whatsoever 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blooming prospering growing evolving developing expanding advancing progressing moving forward continually upward onward ever higher reaching new heights scaling summits conquering challenges overcoming obstacles surmounting hurdles triumphantly victoriously gloriously jubilantly exhilarated elated thrilled delighted ecstatic overjoyed euphoric blissful joyous cheerful radiant exuberant effervescent bubbling over enthusiasm zest zeal fervor ardor passion intensity vitality vigor robustness strength endurance stamina durability resilience perseverance tenacity fortitude courage bravery valor heroism gallantry chivalry honor dignity pride nobility virtue morality ethics values principles beliefs convictions ideals standards codes conduct behavior etiquette decorum refinement sophistication elegance grace charm poise tact diplomacy finesse savoir-faire panache flair style distinction class taste discernment aesthetic appreciation artistic creativity genius brilliance intellect intelligence wisdom knowledge insight perception awareness understanding comprehension discernment acumen astuteness shrewdness cleverness ingenuity inventiveness innovation originality uniqueness rarity exclusivity specialness extraordinariness exceptionality distinctiveness individuality peculiarity idiosyncrasy eccentricity quirkiness novelty freshness newness modernity contemporaneity up-to-dateness relevance significance importance value worth merit excellence superiority preeminence supremacy dominance ascendancy authority control power influence command sway leadership guidance direction management administration supervision oversight regulation governance rule jurisdiction competency capability proficiency expertise mastery skill talent ability aptitude capacity facility ease fluency competence dexterity nimbleness agility quickness rapidity swiftness speed alacrity readiness promptitude immediacy instantaneity spontaneity impulsiveness impetuosity rashness recklessness audacity boldness daring risk-taking adventurous spirit enterprising enterprise initiative entrepreneurship pioneering trailblazing pathfinding groundbreaking cutting-edge leading-edge forefront vanguard avant-garde progressive forward-thinking visionary pioneering innovative creative imaginative resourceful flexible adaptive resilient courageous confident assertive decisive determined unwavering steadfast resolute focused committed dedicated devoted passionate enthusiastic energetic vibrant lively spirited dynamic motivated inspired driven ambitious aspiring achieving succeeding excelling thriving flourishing blossoming blooming prospering growing evolving developing expanding advancing progressing moving forward continually upward onward ever higher reaching new heights scaling summits conquering challenges overcoming obstacles surmounting hurdles triumphantly victoriously gloriously jubilantly exhilarated elated thrilled delighted ecstatic overjoyed euphoric blissful joyous cheerful radiant exuberant effervescent bubbling over enthusiasm zest zeal fervor ardor passion intensity vitality vigor robustness strength endurance stamina durability resilience perseverance tenacity fortitude courage bravery valor heroism gallantry chivalry honor dignity pride nobility virtue morality ethics values principles beliefs convictions ideals standards codes conduct behavior etiquette decorum refinement sophistication elegance grace charm poise tact diplomacy finesse savoir-faire panache flair style distinction class taste discernment aesthetic appreciation artistic creativity genius brilliance intellect intelligence wisdom knowledge insight perception awareness understanding comprehension discernment acumen astuteness shrewdness clever