Police Officer Gets Over Five Years in Prison for Crypto Scams

A former deputy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office, who also piloted helicopters for the department, has been sentenced to 63 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. The officer, who partnered with a cryptocurrency businessman, orchestrated false arrests and extortion schemes against rivals.

How the Scheme Worked

• Greed as Motive: The deputy admitted during trial that greed drove his actions. He earned at least $20,000 a month as a private guard and business partner.
• Miami to Los Angeles Sting (Sept 2021): The deputy lured a Miami resident, searched their vehicle, found drugs, and arrested them while the crypto businessman watched from the helicopter. He later texted a colleague that the victim “enjoyed it.”
• Financial Dispute Extortion (Oct 2021): The deputy posed as an active‑duty officer, helped the crypto man extort $127,000, and staged a threat with a gun at a shooting range in the crypto man’s basement.

Legal Consequences

• Sentencing: 63 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
• Judge’s Warning: The judge condemned the abuse of power and warned that ignoring the law has serious consequences.
• Department’s Statement: The sheriff’s office released a statement describing the deputy’s actions as “reprehensible” and a clear violation of its standards.

The Crypto Businessman

• Known as the “Godfather,” he has been in federal custody since September 2024.
• Pleaded guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud, and tax evasion.
• Faces additional charges in Connecticut for kidnapping and robbery conspiracies.

Broader Implications

This case illustrates how corruption can spread from law enforcement to illegal financial schemes, eroding public trust and harming many people.