A former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy and helicopter pilot has pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges for his role in aiding a cryptocurrency businessman with extortion and orchestrating a false arrest of a rival. Michael David Coberg, 44, from Eastvale, admitted to conspiracy to commit extortion and conspiracy against rights.
According to the plea agreement, Coberg worked alongside Adam Iza, 25, who was involved in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. Iza has been in federal custody since September 2024 after pleading guilty to related charges. He is scheduled for sentencing on December 15.
Coberg’s arrangement with Iza allowed him to serve as a business partner and advisor rather than just providing security services. The two also discussed starting an anabolic steroids business. Coberg received at least $20,000 per month from Iza.
In October 2021, Coberg participated in an incident where he accompanied security guards to pick up a victim identified as “L.A.” due to a financial dispute between L.A.’s business partner and Iza. At Iza’s residence, firearms were displayed during the confrontation. Coberg identified himself as an active-duty law enforcement officer while interrogating the victim about the dispute. Under surveillance by Coberg, Iza demanded that the victim transfer $127,000 into his account and later had the victim’s passport confiscated before returning him to his hotel.
The following day, Coberg continued questioning the victim regarding the financial matter and whereabouts of L.A.’s business partner. Later that day at Iza’s residence shooting range, Iza held the victim at gunpoint until another money transfer was made by L.A.’s business partner.
In another incident in September 2021, Coberg conspired with others to lure another individual—identified as “R.C.”—from Miami to Los Angeles under false pretenses involving drug use with an ex-girlfriend. This setup led R.C., who previously had been forced at gunpoint by corrupt deputies working for Iza to transfer $25,000 in August 2021, into being arrested on fabricated drug charges.
Christopher Michael Cadman of Fullerton—a deputy implicated in earlier intimidation—also played a role in arranging this false arrest. Cadman pleaded guilty on August 7 and awaits sentencing in January 2026.
Coberg misled another LASD deputy by claiming that there was an outstanding warrant associated with R.C., leading that deputy to conduct a traffic stop where drugs were found and R.C. was arrested. During this event, both Coberg and Iza observed from nearby vehicles while documenting the arrest.
Afterward, communications between those involved revealed taunting messages sent to R.C., including photos of his arrest along with threats referencing prior disputes.
United States District Judge Percy Anderson set sentencing for February 17, 2026; Coberg faces up to 20 years for extortion-related charges and up to ten years for conspiracy against rights violations if convicted on all counts.
The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation are handling this case with assistance from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Maxwell Coll is prosecuting.
