Los Angeles-area rapper ColdheartedAC is facing serious federal charges after authorities arrested him in connection with an alleged $8.1 million stolen-check scheme that prosecutors say stretched across Southern California.
ColdheartedAC, whose real name is Ada William Obayuwana, was arrested on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, and appeared in federal court in Los Angeles. The 31-year-old Quartz Hill resident is among three defendants named in a sweeping 25-count federal grand jury indictment.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, prosecutors allege that Obayuwana and his co-defendants illegally obtained and possessed more than 50 stolen U.S. Treasury checks as well as hundreds of other checks belonging to individuals and businesses.
The checks involved in the alleged operation were worth more than $8.1 million combined and reportedly included tax refunds, veterans’ benefits and Social Security payments.
Federal prosecutors claim the defendants forged endorsements, changed names and addresses on checks and opened bank accounts designed to receive fraudulently obtained funds.
Authorities allege ColdheartedAC personally attempted to cash at least three Treasury tax-refund checks valued at approximately $382,109. Prosecutors say one was successfully cashed, resulting in withdrawals totaling about $229,109.
The allegations became even more dramatic after investigators claimed that in December 2023, Obayuwana had more than 100 stolen or fraudulent checks inside his vehicle in Oceanside, carrying a combined value exceeding $6.1 million.
Among those were reportedly 48 stolen Treasury checks worth approximately $2.55 million. Investigators allege eight of the checks were successfully cashed for roughly $1.7 million.
Obayuwana has been charged with nine counts of bank fraud, three counts of delivering stolen Treasury checks and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Two other defendants, Albert Tai Vu of Westminster and Cassandra Marie Murrillo of San Diego, were also charged in connection with the alleged operation.
LA rapper ColdheartedAC busted in alleged $8.1M stolen-check scheme pic.twitter.com/y9t86r9riW
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) August 29, 2026
The case is being investigated by federal agencies including the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
If convicted, ColdheartedAC could face substantial prison time, with each bank fraud count carrying a statutory maximum sentence of up to 30 years.
However, the indictment contains allegations only, and ColdheartedAC and the other defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
