Two former deputies from Los Angeles County have been charged with federal offenses for their involvement in a staged raid. They, along with two other individuals, reportedly held an Irvine man and his family hostage during the incident. The victims were allegedly coerced into surrendering a staggering $37 million, as well as relinquishing the rights to their business.
In June 2019, four men allegedly invaded the family’s home in what U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Martin Estrada, referred to as a “shakedown” orchestrated by a wealthy Chinese national and businessman. According to Estrada, the lead defendant gained entry into the house by presenting his Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department badge.
Steven Arthur Lankford, a 68-year-old retired deputy from Canyon Country, was actively serving at the time, as stated by federal prosecutors. Although the LA County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Lankford’s retirement in 2017, he continued to serve as a reserve deputy until 2020.
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“He gained entry into the home by using his badge and relied on his authority as a sheriff’s deputy to intimidate the family,” Estrada explained. “As they left the premises, Lankford directed his threat towards the businessman, warning him against reporting this act of extortion that violated their civil rights.”
Federal prosecutors claim that he, along with another former LASD deputy named Glen Louis Cozart, 63, of Upland, participated in the extortion scheme alongside Max Samuel Bennett Turbett, 39, and Matthew Phillip Hart, 41.
Cozart decided to retire from the department in 1994.
The Department stated that it does not condone the alleged actions, emphasizing that they do not align with the values of its committed personnel. They are actively collaborating with federal authorities to facilitate a thorough investigation and ensure that any misconduct is addressed appropriately. The Department firmly upholds a zero-tolerance policy towards criminal behavior, emphasizing that individuals who break the law will face consequences.
Turbett, originally from Australia and now a UK citizen, has a background in the British military. On the other hand, Hart, an Australian citizen, also served in the military of his home country.
The defendants are all facing federal charges, which include conspiracy to commit extortion, attempted extortion, conspiracy against rights, and deprivation of rights under color of law.
According to Estrada, if they are found guilty of all charges, they could potentially be sentenced to up to 30 years in federal prison.
According to the Department of Justice, Turbett and Hart met with the former deputies in LA after flying from Australia to discuss the fake raid.
Lankford, along with Cozart, drove to the victim’s home on June 17, 2019, in an unmarked LASD vehicle. They approached the businessman’s home, with Lankford presenting himself as a police officer and flashing his badge, while Cozart pretended to be an immigration officer. Prosecutors alleged this deceptive act.
Eventually, Lankford caved in and signed the paperwork as the prosecutors had requested. They alleged that Lankford had warned the businessman that he would face arrest and deportation if he dared to contact the police. However, despite this intimidating threat, the victim wasted no time and immediately reached out to the Irvine Police Department as soon as the men departed.
Lankford is accused of lying to an IPD officer, asserting that he had valid law enforcement reasons for being there and that he had been granted entry into the residence. Additionally, he reportedly claimed that no force had been employed against the victim.
By November 2019, all defendants had received payment, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Turbett’s private investigation and asset recovery business reportedly received approximately $420,000 for its services. Prosecutors revealed that an unindicted co-conspirator even emailed Turbett expressing gratitude for a job well done.
