Ep. 040 | Ian & Angela Diaz vs. Michelle Hadley
Angela Diaz was at the center of a shocking California catfishing case involving false accusations, cyberstalking, and identity theft. In 2016, she framed her husband's ex-girlfriend, Michelle Hadley, by sending herself threatening emails and setting up a rape fantasy Craigslist plot that led to Hadley’s wrongful arrest. Investigators eventually uncovered Diaz’s elaborate false allegations scheme, revealing she had a history of fraud. The case exposed major failures in the justice system and highlighted the dangers of digital deception and online harassment.
Both Ian Diaz and Angela Diaz have been charged for their crimes against Michelle Hadley. Angela was released after serving her 5-year-sentence. At the time that this episode was recorded, Ian Diaz was still serving his 10-year-sentence.
SOURCES:
ABC7. (2017). OC woman sentenced to 5 years for framing husband's ex. ABC7. https://abc7.com/angela-diaz-michelle-hadley-orange-county-rape-fantasy-plot-woman-sentenced-for-framing-husbands-ex-girlfriend/2549601/
Apple Podcasts. (2021). A darkness within: The Angela Diaz story [Audio podcast episode]. Apple Podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-darkness-within-the-angela-diaz-story/id1534510423?i=1000521546424
Apple Podcasts. (2023). Exes, emails and love triangle extremes [Audio podcast episode]. Apple Podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/es/podcast/exes-emails-and-love-triangle-extremes/id1522372858?i=1000661761123&l=en-GB
CBS News. (2023). Former U.S. Marshal convicted in twisted "rape fantasy" plot. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ian-diaz-michelle-hadley-former-us-marshal-convicted-in-twisted-rape-fantasy-plot/
Courthouse News. (2023). Woman falsely accused of stalking sues accusers. Courthouse News. https://www.courthousenews.com/woman-falsely-accused-stalking-sues-accusers/
Hadley v. City of Anaheim, Case No. 8:18-cv-01831-DOC-KES (C.D. Cal. Sep. 18, 2020). https://casetext.com/case/hadley-v-city-of-anaheim
NBC News. (2023). Woman framed in "rape fantasy" plot speaks out after conviction of ex-U.S. Marshal. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/woman-framed-rape-fantasy-plot-speaks-conviction-ex-us-marshal-rcna76542
New York Post. (2023). Deputy US marshal convicted for framing ex in fake 'rape fantasy' plot. New York Post. https://nypost.com/2023/03/27/deputy-us-marshal-convicted-in-fake-rape-fantasy-plot/
Oxygen. (2023). Ian Diaz found guilty of framing Michelle Hadley in cyberstalking scheme. Oxygen. https://www.oxygen.com/crime-news/ian-diaz-guilty-framing-michelle-hadley-cyberstalking-scheme
Spreaker. (2023). Ex-U.S. Marshal frames ex-girlfriend in "rape fantasy" style plot [Audio podcast episode]. Spreaker. https://www.spreaker.com/episode/ex-u-s-marshall-frames-ex-girlfriend-in-rape-fantasy-style-plot-michelle-hadley-ian-diaz-angela-diaz--62272818
The Independent. (2023). Woman staged own assault to frame husband's ex-fiancée in twisted plot. The Independent. https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/woman-stage-own-rape-frame-husband-ex-lover-fiancee-angela-diaz-michelle-hadley-california-orange-county-a7520966.html
U.S. Department of Justice. (2023). Former deputy U.S. marshal sentenced for cyberstalking, perjury, and obstruction. U.S. Department of Justice. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/former-deputy-us-marshal-sentenced-cyberstalking-perjury-and-obstruction
