Ex-LA Sheriff’s Deputy Gets 21 Months for Aiding Crypto Figure

Former Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy Eric Chase Saavedra received 21 months in federal prison on Sept. 28 for abusing his law enforcement authority on behalf of crypto businessman Adam Iza. U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson also ordered Saavedra to pay $90,984 in restitution to the IRS.

Saavedra, 42, pleaded guilty to conspiracy against rights and filing a false tax return. He admitted using his sheriff’s credentials to access sensitive law enforcement databases and obtain personal information about people involved in disputes with Iza. He also helped secure search warrants and created a fake warrant to pressure an individual into paying for private security. Separately, prosecutors said Saavedra concealed more than $373,000 in income from the IRS.

Saavedra ran a private security company that provided round-the-clock protection for Iza, typically costing about $100,000 a month. He is the fifth former LASD deputy sentenced in the broader case. Iza, whom prosecutors describe as a self-styled cryptocurrency businessman, remains in federal custody.