A man from Waukee, identified as Stephan Rashad Haley, has been sentenced to 32 years in federal prison for orchestrating a nationwide bank fraud and money laundering operation that affected eight banks in Iowa. Haley, also known by aliases "Ace" and "Bosh," was found guilty of multiple charges including fraud, money laundering, and fentanyl distribution. The scheme, which took place between May and August 2023, involved the fraudulent use of stolen business checks and resulted in significant financial losses. Additionally, Haley was implicated in a 2023 shooting incident and the distribution of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. Seventeen other individuals connected to this scheme were indicted alongside Haley, with several already pleading guilty.
The extensive fraud and money laundering operation orchestrated by Haley spanned from May to August 2023, involving at least 12 businesses and 14 banks across the country. The scheme primarily targeted eight financial institutions in Iowa, including Ascentra Credit Union, Collins Community Credit Union, and others. Participants from various states, such as Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa, were involved in depositing stolen checks into these institutions. The indictment alleges that the participants attempted to deposit approximately $10 million worth of stolen checks, successfully securing over $2.1 million. This fraudulent activity caused substantial financial damage, with losses exceeding $3.5 million to more than ten victims.
Haley played a central role in recruiting accomplices to open fraudulent bank accounts and deposit stolen checks. His involvement extended beyond just financial crimes; he was also linked to the distribution of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl in Dallas County in 2023. Furthermore, Haley was identified as a suspect in a shooting incident at an apartment complex in West Des Moines. A subsequent search of his residence uncovered illegal substances and a stolen firearm. The court determined that Haley was responsible for distributing an additional 12 kilograms of fentanyl, significantly escalating the severity of his offenses.
Haley's involvement in this nationwide scheme led to his indictment along with 17 other individuals. Among those indicted, eight have already pleaded guilty, while the remaining ten are scheduled for trial in June. The investigation into this case involved multiple federal and local agencies, including the IRS Criminal Investigation, FBI, and various police departments. The comprehensive nature of the investigation underscored the complexity and scale of the criminal activities.
Following the conviction, Haley received a 32-year federal prison sentence, with no possibility of parole. Upon completion of his sentence, he will be required to serve five years of supervised release and pay restitution amounting to $66,437. The stringent sentencing reflects the gravity of Haley's actions, which not only inflicted financial harm but also endangered public safety through the distribution of illicit drugs. The collaborative effort of law enforcement agencies ensured that justice was served, sending a strong message against such criminal enterprises.