A former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy and helicopter pilot has pleaded guilty to serious federal conspiracy charges, putting him at risk of spending up to three decades in prison. Michael David Coberg, 44, from Eastvale, admitted to conspiracy to commit extortion and conspiracy against rights. His illegal activities reportedly date back to 2021, during his tenure with the LASD.
Coberg was found to have collaborated with Adam Iza, a 25-year-old who presented himself as a “Godfather” involved in deceptive marketing and cryptocurrency fraud. Iza, who has been held in federal custody since September 2024, has already pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing on December 15.
Under the arrangement with Iza, Coberg worked as a business partner and advisor, even as Iza enlisted off-duty LASD deputies to function as enforcers against his adversaries. Allegations indicate that Coberg was compensated at least $20,000 each month for his services.
In a notable incident from October 2021, Coberg is accused of helping to kidnap a victim involved in a financial dispute with Iza. After transporting the victim, referred to in court documents as “L.A.,” to Iza’s residence, Coberg reportedly identified himself as an active-duty law enforcement officer. During this time, Iza displayed firearms and coerced the victim into transferring $127,000 to an account under Iza’s control. Following the transaction, Iza directed security guards to confiscate the victim’s passport and return him to his hotel.
The next day saw Coberg continuing to interrogate L.A. regarding his business partner’s whereabouts. At one point, he even took the victim to a shooting range at Iza’s home, where the situation escalated, and Iza allegedly held the victim at gunpoint once more, demanding further financial transfers from the victim’s partner.
In another case from September 2021, Coberg is said to have conspired to set up a victim from Miami, identified as “R.C.,” leading to his arrest on drug-related charges. Coberg learned of a conflict between Iza and R.C., which led to a scheme involving the victim’s ex-girlfriend reaching out to lure him to Los Angeles under false pretenses. Under Coberg’s guidance, a co-conspirator arranged the victim’s travel, leading him to a location where he was apprehended by an LASD deputy.
Christopher Michael Cadman, another corrupt deputy involved in this plot, has also pleaded guilty to federal charges and is set to be sentenced in January 2026. Cadman aided the false arrest by fabricating a story about an individual with an outstanding warrant and illegal drugs. During this phony arrest, Coberg was observed slowly driving past the scene in a Cadillac Escalade, while Iza recorded the event.
After the arrest, Coberg expressed gratitude to Cadman for his role in the traffic stop, indicating a casual attitude toward the gravity of the situation. Iza compounded the victim’s distress by mocking him with photographs of his arrest.
U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson has slated a sentencing hearing for Coberg on February 17, 2026. He may face up to 20 years for the extortion-related charge and an additional 10 years for the conspiracy against rights charge, showcasing the gravity of his actions and the extensive nature of the conspiracy in which he was involved.
