ColdheartedAC and Co-Conspirators: The Bank Fraud Scheme Unveiled
An up-and-coming rapper from Los Angeles, known as "ColdheartedAC," is facing federal bank fraud charges along with two others, Albert Tai Vu and Cassandra Marie Murrillo. The trio is accused of stealing over $8.1 million in checks, including tax refunds, Social Security benefits, and veterans' benefits. They allegedly altered names and addresses on the checks to steal the funds and opened bank accounts to receive the transfers, using fake business records to cover their tracks. The stolen funds were deposited in credit union and bank branches across Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties.
During the scheme, Obayuwana attempted to cash Treasury tax refund checks totaling $382,109, successfully withdrawing $229,109 from one check. When federal agents searched Obayuwana's vehicle, they found over 100 stolen or altered checks worth more than $6.1 million, including 48 Treasury checks valued at $2,555,417. Vu and Murrillo also tried to cash Treasury checks during the same period, with Vu successfully cashing two tax refund checks totaling $772,159, and Murrillo cashing one check for $31,405.
All three defendants are facing nine counts of bank fraud, with Obayuwana also charged with delivering stolen Treasury checks and aggravated identity theft. Vu faces additional charges of delivering stolen Treasury checks, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft, while Murrillo is charged with an extra count of delivering stolen Treasury checks. The case highlights the serious consequences of financial fraud and the importance of safeguarding personal and government-issued checks.