- A former LASD detective received a 21-month prison sentence for violating civil rights.
- Saavedra used his badge to threaten and intimidate a crypto mogul’s adversaries.
- The Judge was lenient on Saavedra because he cooperated promptly and extensively.
United States District Judge Percy Anderson has sentenced Eric Chase Saavedra, a former LASD detective and federal task-force officer, to 21 months in prison for abusing his law enforcement powers.
The Judge found Saavedra guilty of threatening and intimidating a now-imprisoned, self-styled cryptocurrency businessman’s adversary to advance his beneficiary’s interests. The ex-cop was also found guilty of concealing from the IRS more than $373,000 that he received from the criminal, Adam Iza.
Saavedra’s Guilty Plea
During proceedings in February 2025, Saavedra pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy against rights and one count of false submission to a tax return. Investigations leading to judgment revealed that Saavedra used his official law enforcement credentials to illegally access sensitive personally identifiable information (PII) on Iza’s business rivals and adversaries.
Saavedra also abused his police power by using it to obtain unauthorized, court-signed search warrants to harass, locate, and track individuals targeted by Iza. He stepped up his illegal activities by establishing a private security company, Saavedra and Associates LLC, explicitly hiring active LASD deputies and SWAT team members to execute Iza’s intimidation and extortion schemes. This service earned him roughly $100,000 monthly from Iza.
Forfeitures Attached to the Sentence
Beyond the 21-month prison sentence, Judge Anderson ordered Saavedra to pay $90,984 in restitution and forfeit numerous luxury items bought with criminal proceeds. Some of the items seized from him include dozens of Louis Vuitton bags, Gucci shoes, and a money-counting machine.
While pronouncing Saavedra’s sentence, Judge Anderson said his conduct compromised the integrity of the Sheriff’s Department and the judiciary. However, the judge cited his prompt and extensive cooperation as a factor in lessening the sentence. Saavedra acknowledged that he had abused the trust placed in him as a law enforcement officer and accepted responsibility for his actions during the hearing.
Related: South Korea Busan Court Sentences a Gang Member to 8 Years in Crypto Fraud Case
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