15-7-2025 – Two Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies face federal charges for using their law enforcement positions while working as private security contractors for clients including jailed cryptocurrency entrepreneur Adam Iza, known as “The Godfather,” according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Deputy David Anthony Rodriguez, 43, pleaded guilty Monday to conspiracy against rights, while Christopher Michael Cadman, 33, was charged with conspiracy against rights and filing a false tax return. Court documents reveal that in August 2021, Cadman and another deputy held a victim at gunpoint inside Iza’s Bel Air mansion, forcing the individual to transfer $25,000 to Iza’s bank account. The following month, Cadman helped orchestrate an illegal traffic stop targeting the same victim in Paramount without legal grounds.
Rodriguez admitted to separate misconduct involving a different client, including obtaining a fraudulent search warrant in July 2022 by falsely claiming it was related to a robbery investigation. He shared GPS location data with co-conspirators to harass and intimidate another victim. Cadman received at least $40,500 in unreported cash payments from Iza, owing approximately $11,000 in federal taxes.
The case centers around Iza’s Zort trading firm, which prosecutors say laundered illicit funds and stole over $37 million through hacking Facebook advertising accounts. Iza, who has been in federal custody since September 2024, pleaded guilty in January to conspiracy against rights, wire fraud, and tax evasion. A third deputy, Eric Chase Saavedra, previously pleaded guilty to related charges in February.
Rodriguez faces sentencing on November 10 with a maximum 10-year prison term, while Cadman awaits his initial court appearance on charges carrying up to 13 years.
