Los Angeles, CA. — A former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) deputy and helicopter pilot has been sentenced to more than five years in federal prison for his role in an extortion scheme and a staged, unlawful arrest tied to a cryptocurrency fraud operation.
Michael David Coberg, 44, of Eastvale, was sentenced to 63 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson. He was also ordered to pay $127,000 in restitution. Coberg previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit extortion and one count of conspiracy against rights.
Prosecutors said Coberg abused his authority as a sworn law enforcement officer while working with Adam Iza, a self-described cryptocurrency businessman who has also pleaded guilty to federal charges. Iza, 25, has been in custody since September 2024 and is awaiting sentencing.
According to court documents, Coberg worked closely with Iza as a paid partner and advisor, earning at least $20,000 per month. Their activities included plans to launch an illegal steroid business and using intimidation tactics against perceived rivals.
In one incident in October 2021, Coberg accompanied associates to detain a victim involved in a financial dispute with Iza. At Iza’s residence, firearms were displayed while Coberg identified himself as an active-duty deputy and interrogated the victim. Under duress, the victim transferred $127,000 to Iza. The victim’s passport was confiscated, and further threats led to an additional payment from a business associate.
In a separate scheme, Coberg helped orchestrate a false arrest targeting another victim. The plan involved luring the individual from Miami to Los Angeles under false pretenses, supplying drugs, and coordinating a traffic stop in Paramount. Coberg provided false information to another deputy, leading to the victim’s arrest after narcotics were found in the vehicle.
Authorities said Coberg observed the arrest while Iza recorded the incident. Afterward, Iza used images of the arrest to taunt the victim.
Another former LASD deputy, Christopher Michael Cadman, also pleaded guilty for his role in the conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.
Federal prosecutors emphasized that Coberg’s actions represented a serious breach of public trust. “Coberg swore an oath to uphold the Constitution,” prosecutors wrote, “but instead used his position for personal gain.”
The case was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
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