A California woman spent 88 days in jail, facing the prospect of life in prison. She was accused of sending men to assault her ex-fiancé’s new wife through online ads.
Threatening emails, witnesses, and men responding to “rape fantasy” ads seemed to support allegations against Michelle Hadley. However, prosecutors later revealed the evidence was fabricated. The alleged victims were the perpetrators.
Netflix’s documentary, “A Toxic Love Story,” examines the 2016 case involving Hadley, her ex-fiancé Ian Diaz, and his then-wife Angela Connell, who went by Angela Diaz during their marriage.
Accusations of Terror
Hadley began dating Ian Diaz in 2013 after meeting online, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. They bought a condominium in Anaheim, California, but separated in 2015 over property and financial disputes.
In January 2016, Ian met Angela Connell online and married her the following month. She moved into the condo he bought with Hadley.
In June 2016, Angela Diaz claimed Hadley was sending her violent emails, threatening her and her alleged unborn children, and luring men to their home for “rape fantasy” encounters. At least two men claimed they believed they were invited for consensual experiences. On June 24, Angela Diaz reported a man entered her garage intending to rape her.
Police arrested Hadley that day, releasing her on $100,000 bail. She was arrested again on July 14, held on $1 million bail, with alleged threats continuing.
Incarcerated Without Cause
Hadley faced felony charges with a potential life sentence, portrayed as a vengeful former lover. Problems with the case arose when emails stopped post-arrest but resumed before she accessed her email again.
Hadley was jailed until October 7, 2016, when prosecutors released her.
On January 9, 2017, Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas dismissed all charges, publicly declaring her exonerated.
Uncovering Lies and Digital Evidence
Investigators traced threatening emails and ads to the condo Ian and Angela shared, Angela’s cellphone, and her father’s home in Arizona.
Angela Diaz used multiple email accounts and proxy servers to hide her tracks, sending threats and posing as Hadley.
Prosecutors discovered Angela had faked cancer, pretended to be an attorney, forged notes, fabricated pregnancy, and altered checks. In October 2017, she pleaded guilty to kidnapping, false imprisonment, forgery, perjury, and other charges, receiving a five-year sentence.
The Former Marshal’s Involvement
Ian Diaz claimed ignorance of Angela’s actions, but a federal probe unveiled his role in the plot. He was indicted in 2021, relieved of his duties as a criminal investigator in Los Angeles, and convicted of conspiracy to commit cyberstalking, cyberstalking, perjury, and obstruction.
Sentenced to over ten years, Ian’s actions were condemned for unlawfully stripping Hadley of her freedom.
Legal Repercussions and Settlements
Hadley filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Anaheim, city employees, Angela Diaz, and Ian Diaz. In April 2021, she settled with the city following Council approval. Separate agreements with Angela Diaz were reached.