Eric Chase Saavedra, 42, a former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy, has been sentenced to 21 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy against rights and filing a false tax return.

U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson also ordered Saavedra to pay $90,984 in restitution to the IRS. Prosecutors said he concealed more than $373,000 in income earned while providing private security services to Adam Iza, the cryptocurrency figure known by the nickname “Crypto Godfather.” Iza is serving a separate 15-year federal sentence stemming from an attempted Bitcoin robbery and kidnapping in Connecticut.

Saavedra’s Security Work for Adam Iza

Saavedra founded Saavedra & Associates, a private security company that was hired to protect Iza. The company provided around-the-clock security from August 2021 through March 2022 for approximately $100,000 a month. The arrangement resumed in July 2024 and continued until Iza’s arrest in September.

Saavedra admitted that he improperly used his law enforcement credentials to access restricted databases and obtain personal information on people connected to Iza’s personal and business disputes. The information included details involving their associates and relatives.

He also admitted using his position to assist Iza in obtaining information and official action against individuals. In one case, Saavedra fabricated a search warrant that was used to pressure a person into paying for security services.

In another incident, he misled a narcotics detective, contributing to a drug raid involving a person Iza had allegedly targeted. Saavedra also falsely claimed that a cellphone number was connected to a firearms investigation to obtain a warrant allowing the phone to be tracked.

Prosecutors said Saavedra then passed the location information to Iza. Armed individuals later attempted to enter the targeted person’s home while searching for a laptop believed to contain cryptocurrency.

During sentencing, Saavedra acknowledged violating the public trust associated with his law enforcement position. He left the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on March 13, 2025.

Fifth Former Deputy Sentenced in Broader Case

Saavedra is the fifth former LASD deputy to be sentenced in the broader investigation involving Iza. The other former deputies are Michael Coberg, Scott Simpkins, David Rodriguez and Christopher Cadman.

The cases involve separate allegations but share an investigation into the alleged misuse of law enforcement authority in connection with Iza and his private disputes.

Saavedra’s prosecution is separate from Iza’s criminal proceedings. Iza is currently serving a 15-year federal sentence related to an attempted Bitcoin robbery and kidnapping in Connecticut in August 2024.

Iza also pleaded guilty in California to conspiracy against rights, wire fraud and tax evasion and is awaiting sentencing in that case.

The investigation demonstrates that the criminal cases surrounding Iza involved more than cryptocurrency transactions. Federal prosecutors also alleged the use of private security arrangements, law enforcement access and intimidation alongside crypto-related activity.

Saavedra’s sentencing concludes his federal case, while Iza continues to face separate proceedings in California.