Ex-LASD Deputy Coberg Gets 63 Months for Extortion Scheme

• Michael Coberg has been sent to jail for participating in crypto extortion crimes.
• Coberg connived with a self-styled “Godfather” to intimidate and extort rivals.
• Prosecutors argued that Coberg betrayed the oath he swore to uphold US laws.

United States District Judge Percy Anderson of the United States District Court of the Central District of California has sentenced Michael David Coberg, a former deputy and helicopter pilot with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), to 63 months in prison following his conviction for helping a now-jailed self-styled crypto businessman to extort a rival.

According to reports, he pleaded guilty in September to a one-count charge of conspiracy to commit extortion and another count of conspiracy against rights. Judge Percy also ordered Coberg to pay $127,000 as restitution for his offenses.

Coberg’s Unethical Activities

The court found that Coberg worked with self-proclaimed “Godfather” Adam Iza, formerly of Beverly Hills and Newport Coast, who engaged in fraudulent marketing and cryptocurrency schemes and helped intimidate rivals. Reports show that in October 2021, Coberg threatened one of Iza’s rivals at gunpoint after transporting the victim to the latter’s residence, reflecting his unethical operation while terrorizing those Iza considered enemies.

A recorded video showed the victim transferring $127,000 to an Iza-controlled bank account before being driven back to his hotel by Iza’s security guards after having his passport seized.

Iza and Coberg Worked as Partners

In the meantime, Iza, the main principal in Coberg’s syndicate, has been in federal custody since September 2024. He has pleaded guilty to charges tied to the criminal scheme and is awaiting sentencing. 

It is worth noting that Coberg not only worked security shifts for Iza but also operated based on a contract as a business partner and advisor to his principal. Both parties planned to expand their partnership to start a business selling anabolic steroids, and Iza paid Coberg at least $20,000 monthly for his services.

Prosecutors in the case argued that Coberg went against an oath he swore, “to uphold the laws of the United States.” According to them, he betrayed that oath and those he swore to protect, abusing the awesome power of the badge he wore.

Related: France on Alert: Violent Attacks Targeting Crypto Holders Rise