A former sheriff’s deputy from Los Angeles County, who misled investigators to protect a cryptocurrency fraudster from punishment, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, as declared by prosecutors.
Scott Allen Simpkins, aged 34 and from Brea, was also fined $10,000 after admitting to giving false testimony during the case involving Adam Isa, a 25-year-old cryptocurrency entrepreneur infamously dubbed “The Godfather.” This was reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
Simpkins, who previously served as an LASD lieutenant and SWAT officer, provided false information to aid Isa, who engaged in misleading marketing and cryptocurrency schemes, thus allowing him to escape legal consequences, as stated by federal authorities.
Isa has been in custody since September 2024 on various charges including using coercion and intimidation for fraudulent activities. He has since pleaded guilty to multiple counts related to his fraud scheme and is currently awaiting sentencing.
On March 17, Simpkins pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice and subsequently resigned from his position in LASD’s Special Enforcement Division.
Prosecutors detailed how Simpkins attempted to assist Isa by lying to FBI agents, claiming he had not witnessed Isa blackmail a party planner for $25,000 at his luxurious Bel Air residence.
The situation traces back to August 2021, when Isa contracted Simpkins and additional officers for security at a party held at his expansive home.
In the early hours of August 15, Simpkins discovered that the party organizer, referred to in court documents as “RC,” had been removed from the event due to erratic conduct.
The following day, while on duty at Isa’s mansion, Simpkins and another officer escorted RC to Isa’s office, closing the door behind them.
During this encounter, Isa allegedly laid out live ammunition on his desk in front of the party planner, demanding a funds transfer under the threat of violence. After the $25,000 was transferred, Simpkins and his colleague led RC out of the mansion.
After Isa’s arrest, during an investigation into his coercive actions against RC, the FBI executed a search warrant involving Simpkins, where they seized his cell phone.
Two months later, it was revealed that Simpkins had lied multiple times to federal agents about the presence of ammunition in Isa’s office and about any financial transactions occurring during that period.
In addition to Isa and Simpkins, other involved individuals—including Cadman and Eric Chase Saavedra, a former LASD deputy—have admitted to related federal charges and are also waiting for their sentences.
Another former LASD deputy, Michael David Coberg, has been sentenced to 63 months in federal prison and ordered to repay $127,000 for his role in other unlawful activities.
Simpkins, as part of his plea deal, recognized that his deceit hindered the investigation and prosecution of Isa.
