Former Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputy Scott Allen Simpkins was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and fined $10,000 for lying to federal agents about witnessing cryptocurrency businessman Adam Iza threaten a victim with live ammunition. U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson handed down the sentence on Monday, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California. Simpkins pleaded guilty on March 17 to one count of obstruction of justice and resigned from the LASD's Special Enforcement Bureau following his felony plea. The case stems from a 2021 incident at Iza's Bel Air residence where Simpkins was working private security. The sentencing occurs as part of broader federal criminal proceedings against Iza, who has been in custody since September 2024 and faces multiple charges including wire fraud, tax evasion, and conspiracy related to an attempted bitcoin robbery.
Simpkins Sentenced to 18 Months for Obstruction
U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson sentenced Scott Allen Simpkins to 18 months in federal prison and imposed a $10,000 fine. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California announced the sentencing on Monday. Simpkins pleaded guilty on March 17 to one count of obstruction of justice. Following his felony plea, Simpkins resigned from the LASD's Special Enforcement Bureau.
2021 Incident Details and Financial Compensation
Simpkins was working private security at Adam Iza's Bel Air residence in 2021 alongside fellow former LASD deputy Christopher Michael Cadman. They were employed by Saavedra & Associates, a company owned by then-LASD Deputy Eric Chase Saavedra. According to prosecutors, Iza placed four or five live 9mm rounds on his desk, twirled a bullet while threatening the victim, and demanded a $25,000 transfer before Simpkins and Cadman escorted the victim from the property.
Simpkins and Cadman were paid $1,400 each for their shifts during the incident. After Simpkins and Cadman helped secure a long-term security contract with Iza, Saavedra & Associates paid them approximately 10% of the firm's total profits from the contract's first month, according to the statement.
Adam Iza's Ongoing Federal Cases
Adam Iza has been in federal custody since September 2024. He pleaded guilty in California in January 2025 to conspiracy against rights, wire fraud, and tax evasion. Iza has not yet been sentenced in that case.
The Department of Justice said last month that Iza pleaded guilty in a Connecticut federal court to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, a charge carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. That case stemmed from an August 2024 attempted bitcoin robbery and kidnapping in Danbury, Connecticut, targeting the parents of an individual accused of stealing hundreds of millions of dollars in bitcoin.
FAQ
What was Scott Allen Simpkins sentenced for?
Scott Allen Simpkins was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and fined $10,000 for lying to federal agents about witnessing cryptocurrency businessman Adam Iza threaten a victim with live ammunition during a 2021 incident. He pleaded guilty on March 17 to one count of obstruction of justice.
How much were Simpkins and Cadman paid for their involvement in the 2021 incident?
Simpkins and Cadman were paid $1,400 each for their shifts during the incident at Iza's Bel Air residence. After helping secure a long-term security contract with Iza, Saavedra & Associates paid them approximately 10% of the firm's total profits from the contract's first month.
What charges has Adam Iza pleaded guilty to?
Adam Iza pleaded guilty in California in January 2025 to conspiracy against rights, wire fraud, and tax evasion. He also pleaded guilty in a Connecticut federal court to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery related to an August 2024 attempted bitcoin robbery and kidnapping in Danbury, Connecticut.
