A Los Angeles rapper who built an online persona around luxury and excess was arrested Wednesday on federal charges that he helped steal more than $8.1 million in government checks.
Ada William Obayuwana, 31, who performs as “ColdheartedAC” and “AC,” made his initial appearance in Los Angeles federal court the same day he was taken into custody. His detention hearing followed on Friday. Prosecutors allege he was part of a three-person ring that possessed over 50 stolen US Treasury checks and cashed them at lenders across Southern California.
The aspiring rapper cultivated an image of conspicuous wealth for his nearly 400,000 Instagram followers. He posted photos of himself alongside legendary boxer Floyd Mayweather, among other displays of apparent affluence. On YouTube, where he had over 3,000 subscribers, one of his songs accumulated more than 194,000 views.
The Justice Department announced the charges Friday. “Obayuwana is also charged with three counts of delivering stolen Treasury checks and one count of aggravated identity theft,” the DOJ stated. The charges against him include nine counts of bank fraud.
His alleged co-conspirators are Albert Tai Vu, 28, of Westminster, and Cassandra Marie Murrillo, 31, of San Diego. “Vu is charged with five counts of delivering stolen Treasury checks, four counts of money laundering, and two counts of aggravated identity theft,” the Justice Department said. “Murillo is charged with an additional count of delivering stolen Treasury checks.”
From April 2022 to December 2023, the stolen checks contained “tax refunds, veterans’ benefits, and Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits,” according to the DOJ. The trio allegedly forged endorsements “for the purpose of stealing them” and opened bank accounts to collect the money.
The financial scope of the operation was substantial. During the scheme’s run, Vu successfully cashed two tax refund checks totaling more than $772,000. Obayuwana received nearly $1.7 million from eight checks in December 2023 alone, prosecutors allege.
The case represents a collision between digital performance and alleged criminal enterprise. While Obayuwana presented himself as a successful musician living a high-end lifestyle, authorities contend the funding for that image came from stolen government benefits intended for taxpayers, veterans, and Social Security recipients.
The investigation spanned roughly 20 months before charges were filed. The scheme’s geographic footprint covered multiple counties throughout Southern California, with the defendants allegedly moving between various lenders to cash the forged checks.
All three defendants now face significant federal prison time if convicted. The aggravated identity theft counts alone carry mandatory two-year sentences that must run consecutively to any other prison terms. The bank fraud and money laundering charges could add substantial additional years.
The case continues in federal court in Los Angeles.