Shivangi Sinha
In 2016, Michelle Hadley was blindsided when police arrived at her Claremont, California, home. Her ex-boyfriend, Ian Diaz, and his new wife, Angela Diaz, had filed a restraining order against her, setting off a series of escalating accusations. These false claims led to Michelle spending a few months in jail. However, as her attorney began investigating, it became clear that the couple had been impersonating her and fabricating the allegations. In NBC’s ‘Dateline: Diabolical,’ Michelle recounted the ordeal, shared details about her time behind bars, and how she managed to stay resilient through it all.
Michelle Hadley Remained Wrongfully Incarcerated For Over Two Months
Michelle Hadley was born to Suzanne and Michael Hadley and grew up in Ontario, California, alongside her younger sister. From a young age, she was known for being determined, bright, and creative. She actively participated in school activities, consistently excelled in academics, and was generally well-liked by peers and teachers alike. After her family relocated to Claremont, she completed her high school education at Claremont High School. Her hard work earned her a full scholarship to Dickinson College, where she majored in Medieval and Early Modern Studies and graduated in 2009. She also pursued creative interests by working as a graphic designer. By 2013, she was employed as a Proposal and Marketing Support Manager at York Risk Services Group when she met Ian R. Diaz, a US Deputy Marshal. The two quickly connected and began a relationship.
Michelle and Ian dated for two years before deciding to buy a condo together in Anaheim, California, in June 2015. However, Michelle soon began to realize the relationship was no longer healthy for her. Despite their breakup, they still shared the property, and tensions grew. Michelle had made the full down payment on the condo, but Ian was unwilling to sell. By November 2015, they reached a settlement agreement in which Michelle forfeited her down payment in exchange for being released from the mortgage within six months. Around the same time, she had started what she considered her dream job at Disneyland Resorts as a CRM Associate Program Manager. However, the stress from the relationship and property dispute led her to resign in December 2015 and move back in with her parents.
Michelle continued to face a barrage of serious allegations. Ian and his new wife, Angela Diaz, claimed that she was sending them threatening emails. The couple even filed restraining orders against her and accused her of posting a Craigslist ad that invited strangers to act out violent sexual fantasies against Angela. In July 2016, the situation escalated dramatically when Michelle was arrested and charged with felony counts of attempted forcible rape and stalking. Her bail was set at a staggering $1 million, forcing her to choose between securing her release or hiring a lawyer. She opted to fight the charges and remained in jail for 88 days. She was finally released on October 7, 2016, when investigators uncovered that Angela and Ian had fabricated the entire plot.
Michelle Hadley Sued the Diaz Couple and Some Police Officers
Michelle Hadley was officially exonerated in January 2017, after it became clear that she had been the victim of an elaborate setup. Both Ian and Angela Diaz were eventually charged and convicted for their roles in the scheme. In July 2017, Michelle filed a civil lawsuit against the couple and the City of Anaheim, naming four police officers in her complaint. She alleged that authorities had rushed to prosecute her despite signs that the evidence had been tampered with. She stated that her wrongful incarceration caused her severe trauma, and that she continued to experience stress and insomnia long after her release. The lawsuit was later settled for an undisclosed amount.
Michelle Hadley Has Made Huge Strides in the Field of Marketing
Since being officially exonerated in early 2017, Michelle Hadley has rebuilt her life with remarkable resilience and ambition. By the time her name was cleared, she had already completed her MBA from Chapman University. It was an achievement that opened the door to numerous professional opportunities. Before her wrongful incarceration, she had worked with companies like JMAC Lending and LotusLabs Consultancy. In January 2017, as she began a new chapter, she took on the role of Chief Executive and & Marketing Officer at Babes With Coffee. At the same time, she worked as the CRM and Data Analytics Manager for The Body Shop. Her career gained even more momentum in November 2019 when she joined Candid, first as Director of CRM and later as Director of Engagement and Organic Marketing.
Michelle then climbed the ranks at Saks Fifth Avenue, ultimately becoming the AVP of Marketing Strategy and Insights. In October 2021, she launched her own business venture, Les Cœurs Sauvages, and remained self-employed until January 2024. Since February 2023, she has continued to work independently as a Customer Relationship Management Consultant, offering her expertise to a range of clients. Beyond her career, Michelle gives back through her role as a Junior Board Member at NY Foundling and remains active in the Chapman MBA Alumni Association. She has also been a sought-after speaker and panelist at major industry events, including eTail East, Digital Masterclass, and Intelligent Automation. Today, Michelle stands as a symbol of perseverance, having transformed a traumatic ordeal into a powerful comeback.
Michelle Hadley is Raising a Little Daughter Today
In March 2023, Michelle Hadley started the most important chapter of her life. She became a mother to a beautiful daughter. In a later interview, she stated that it felt like fate because her daughter was born on the same day that Ian Diaz was convicted. Now living in Los Angeles, California, Michelle has built a fulfilling life anchored in her service and self-expression. A survivor turned advocate, she actively supports victims of domestic violence. In 2022, she sponsored a RISE family through My Sister’s Place and reflected her ongoing dedication to helping others heal from trauma. She remains involved in various nonprofit organizations, often lending her voice and presence to causes that align with her journey.
When she’s not consulting or advocating, Michelle embraces life with a bold and adventurous spirit. An avid rower, she traveled to Westport, Connecticut, for a rowing experience. It was an embodiment of her love for the outdoors and her pursuit of physical and emotional strength. She also has a soft spot for fashion and attended the New York Fashion Week in 2022. Michelle is also a proud dog mom to an adorable pup who is by her side through it all. She lives by her personal motto, “Wild hearts can’t be broken.” It’s a statement that captures not just her journey, but her unshakable belief in rising, healing, and living fully.
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