A former deputy from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is facing a significant prison sentence for obstructing justice. This case revolves around Scott Allen Simpkins, who has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for lying to investigators regarding Adam Iza, an individual referred to as the crypto "Godfather" by prosecutors. This situation brings to light the complex relationship between law enforcement and cryptocurrency crime,
Simpkins pled guilty to the obstruction charge, acknowledging that he provided false information during a federal inquiry into Iza's extensive criminal activities. The investigation uncovers serious allegations including fraud, extortion, and kidnapping. Such a sequence of events resembles a plot that could belong in a high-stakes thriller.
What role did the alleged crypto “Godfather” play in these crimes? Adam Iza is accused of orchestrating a sophisticated fraud scheme that involved approximately $37 million through his cryptocurrency trading platform, Zort. Federal authorities claim he enlisted off-duty Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies to assist in criminal activities associated with his venture.
Simpkins’ admissions reveal he had witnessed threatening tactics employed by Iza's associates, including the display of firearms and exorbitant extortion demands. When faced with federal investigators, Simpkins chose to conceal the truth about his experiences.
Currently, Iza has been in federal custody since September 2024, and he pled guilty in June 2026 to conspiracy charges that relate to a violent kidnapping and robbery plot intended to steal Bitcoin.
Interestingly, Simpkins is not the only law enforcement official to face repercussions in connection with this case. Another former deputy, Michael David Coberg, received a 63-month prison sentence for his involvement in Iza's operations. This unfolding narrative serves as a stark reminder of the potential for corruption within law enforcement and the challenges posed by cryptocurrency in crime prevention.