Michelle Hadley’s Fight for Justice: The Mishaps That Led to Her Abusers Being Caught
This article is based on the true story of Michelle Hadley, a woman who was viciously targeted with a plot for violent crime implicating her in a “rape fantasy” ad on Craigslist. Masterminded by her scumbag ex-lover Ian Diaz and his wife Angela, the plot blighted Michelle’s life for years.
But justice was ultimately visited upon those who abused her. Based on Ian’s conviction and Angela’s prison sentence, among other things, here is a story of one lie that ruined a life — and how the truth saved it.
The Premise: A Revenge Scheme Gone Haywire
Michelle Hadley was a young graduate student with everything to live for. But her world was upended in 2016. Her former boyfriend, Ian Diaz, and his wife, Angela, said she was harassing them.
Angela told me Michelle was writing threatening emails and advertising fake ads to entice men to her house. It was severe enough that the police took Michelle into custody right away. But in reality, it was Ian and Angela who’d set it up.
Why Ian and Angela Framed Michelle
The plot was personal and small-minded. Michelle and Ian used to live in a condo. After their breakup, they disagreed on how to manage ownership. Ian needed Michelle out of the way, so he devised a grisly plan.
He and Angela set up fake online accounts in Michelle’s name. They published vulgar advertisements and sent themselves menacing messages. Their plan: to set up Michelle and get her out of their lives.
Post Michelle Hadley’s Wrongful Arrest and Incarceration
Michelle was arrested in June 2016 after Angela called police to report that she had been assaulted by one of the men who had responded to the Craigslist ads. James prosecutors declined to charge Michelle with serious offenses, like attempted rape or stalking.
She was jailed for 88 days. In the interim, she lost her job, name, and faith in the police. She was looking at the possibility of spending the rest of her life in prison — until the truth finally came to light.
The Truth Comes to Light
During the investigation, detectives began to question the account. They tracked the emails and Craigslist posts to IP addresses belonging to Ian and Angela. Angela had also not been pregnant and had been lying about having cancer, authorities uncovered. In January 2017, prosecutors dropped all charges against Michelle. The Orange County DA branded her an “innocent victim of a diabolical scheme.”
Angela Diaz Goes to Prison
Angela was arrested in 2017 and hit with 10 felonies, including kidnapping, perjury, and grand theft. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years in prison. And she quietly did her time, too, until she was released. Her marriage to Ian dissolved shortly after her arrest. She has not made any public statements since then and has maintained a low profile.
Alesiu Ioan Diaz’s Arrest and Conviction Delayed
That would take care of Angela, who was arrested early on, but not Ian, who remained uncharged until this year. Many asked why it took so long. Finally, federal prosecutors arrested him on charges of cyberstalking, conspiracy, and perjury.
His trial opened in 2023, and the jury convicted him of all charges. In June 2023, Ian was handed more than 10 years in federal prison. He lost his job as a U.S. Marshal and his career prospects as a police officer.
Michelle Hadley Gets Her Second Life
Michelle never let the trauma become her. She later shared her experience after the charges were dropped. The day Ian was convicted, in 2023, she had her first child — a heavy metaphor for a fresh start. She called the moment a “rainbow after a very long storm.” Michelle now operates her own business and funds domestic violence shelters. Her story is giving other survivors hope.
The Anaheim Police Lawsuit
In 2018, Michelle sued the city of Anaheim. She said police had failed to conduct a proper investigation and had instead used false evidence. Her lawyers said officers had been weaponized in Ian Diaz’s scheme, disregarding obvious signals that a setup had occurred. In 2021, Michelle settled with the city for an undisclosed amount. Although the sum was not disclosed, it was a move toward justice.
A Message to the Rest: Abuse of Power Has Repercussions
Ian Diaz violated his position as a federal agent. He leveraged his badge to dupe law enforcement into arresting an innocent woman. But karma is catching up with him. It was a calculated and cruel crime, prosecutors said.
His case has become a cautionary tale: A mountain of felt and paper cannot absolve those who abuse their power to hurt others. Michelle’s victory is a reminder that the truth matters, even when that truth seems like a long shot.
FAQs
Who is Michelle Hadley?
A California woman, Michelle Hadley, was falsely accused, caught up in a “rape fantasy” scheme of her ex-boyfriend and his wife.
What happened to Angela Diaz?
Angela Diaz was convicted in 2017 and spent five years in prison for framing Michelle Hadley.
Where is Ian Diaz now?
Ian Diaz was found guilty in 2023 and sentenced to more than 10 years in a federal penitentiary.
Was Michelle compensated?
Yes, she entered into a legal settlement with the city of Anaheim in 2021. The sum is undisclosed.
How is Michelle doing today?
Michelle has turned a new page. She is a mother, an entrepreneur, and an advocate for survivors of domestic violence.
Final Words
Michelle Hadley’s story is one of heartbreak, injustice, and salvation. They put her on the spot, put her in jail, and nearly ruined her. But she didn’t give up. The people who destroyed her life are now in jail. Her story is a message for all who have survived abuse: You can take back your life, justice can be made — even if the system lets you down at the outset.
Table of Contents