Ex-Deputies Accused of Extorting $37 Million from Irvine Man

Two former Los Angeles County deputies are facing federal charges for their involvement in a staged raid that resulted in the hostage-taking of an Irvine man and his family. The alleged perpetrators, including the lead defendant who displayed his sheriff's badge to gain entry, reportedly coerced the victim into surrendering $37 million and the rights to his business. According to federal authorities, the deputies used their law enforcement authority to intimidate the family during the incident. The U.S. Department of Justice has detailed how the operation unfolded, revealing that the lead defendant, Lankford, threatened the businessman against reporting the crime. Cozart, who retired from the sheriff's department in 1994, was allegedly hired by Turbett, a former British military member, to locate the victim and orchestrate the raid. Turbett and his accomplice Hart traveled from Australia to Los Angeles to finalize their plans with the former deputies. On June 17, 2019, Lankford drove the team to the victim's residence in an unmarked Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department vehicle. After entering the home, the victim complied with their demands and signed over the necessary documents. Lankford is accused of misleading an Irvine Police Department officer by claiming he was conducting legitimate law enforcement activities and asserting that no force was used against the victim. Turbett's private investigation and asset recovery business reportedly received approximately $420,000 for executing the fraudulent operation, raising serious concerns about the integrity of law enforcement practices.