Deputy Sentenced for Obstructing Investigation into Crypto Businessman

A former Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputy has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for obstructing an investigation into cryptocurrency businessman Adam Iza.

Scott Allen Simpkins, who worked as a deputy assigned to the LASD Lakewood Station and later served with the department's Special Enforcement Bureau and SWAT team, admitted lying to investigators about witnessing Iza threaten a victim and demand a $25,000 payment during a 2021 incident at a Bel Air mansion.

Simpkins was among several law enforcement officers hired to provide security at Iza's Bel Air residence during a private party in August 2021. After the party, he and former deputy Christopher Michael Cadman escorted a party planner into Iza's office, where authorities alleged that Iza attempted to intimidate him by placing live 9mm rounds on his desk.

Iza later demanded a $25,000 transfer from the victim's bank account to an account controlled by him. Simpkins and Cadman each received approximately $1,400 for their work during the party and the August 16 incident, as well as about 10% of the company's first-month profits from the security contract.