California rapper among three charged in $8.1 million stolen checks scheme

An aspiring Los Angeles rapper is among three people accused of stealing more than $8.1 million in checks, including Social Security and other benefit payments. Ada William Obayuwana, 31, known as "ColdheartedAC," faces federal bank fraud charges alongside Albert Tai Vu, 28, of Westminster, and Cassandra Marie Murrillo, 31, of San Diego. Federal prosecutors allege that between April 2022 and December 2023, the trio stole checks worth more than $8.1 million, including 50 U.S.

Treasury checks carrying tax refunds, Social Security Administration benefits, and veterans’ benefits, and hundreds of personal and corporate checks. The group allegedly forged signatures or modified names and addresses to steal the funds. To conceal the scheme, they opened bank accounts aimed at receiving the stolen transfers, at times using business records mimicking the identities of victims, prosecutors say.

The funds were then deposited at credit union and bank branches across Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties. During the course of the scheme, Obayuwana allegedly attempted to cash at least three Treasury tax refund checks valued at roughly $382,109, successfully negotiating one check to withdraw approximately $229,109. When federal agents searched Obayuwana’s vehicle in Oceanside in December 2023, they recovered more than 100 stolen or altered checks with a combined value exceeding $6.1 million, according to the DOJ.

That total included 48 Treasury checks worth approximately $2,555,417 in tax refunds and federal benefits. Eight of the checks in his possession had already been cashed for a total of $1,701,507. Between April 2022 and December 2023, Vu allegedly tried to clear six Treasury checks worth $2,151,391, successfully cashing two tax refund checks valued at $772,159.

Over the same period, Murrillo allegedly sought to negotiate two checks worth $60,193, successfully cashing one for $31,405. All three defendants are charged with nine counts of bank fraud. Obayuwana is also charged with three counts of delivering stolen Treasury checks and one count of aggravated identity theft.

Vu is also charged with five counts of delivering stolen Treasury checks, four counts of money laundering, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Murillo is charged with an additional count of delivering stolen Treasury checks.