Waukee man sentenced to federal prison for drug distribution and fraud

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Richard D. Westphal, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa

Waukee man sentenced to federal prison for drug distribution and fraud

A Waukee man, Stephan Rashad Haley, 36, was sentenced to 32 years in federal prison for charges related to fraud, money laundering, and fentanyl distribution. Known by aliases "Ace" and "Bosh," Haley distributed counterfeit pills containing fentanyl in the Southern District of Iowa. During a search at his residence in October 2023, authorities found a stolen pistol used in a shooting incident in West Des Moines, along with marijuana, cocaine, and fentanyl-laced pills. The court held him accountable for over 12 kilograms of fentanyl.

Between May and August 2023, Haley engaged in a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme involving coconspirators nationwide. He recruited individuals to open fraudulent bank accounts and deposit stolen checks. This scheme resulted in an intended loss exceeding $3.5 million affecting more than ten victims.

Upon completing his prison term, Haley will serve five years of supervised release as there is no parole in the federal system. He has also been ordered to pay $66,437 in restitution.

Ten co-defendants linked to the fraud and money laundering case are scheduled for trial on June 23, 2025; eight have pleaded guilty.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal from the Southern District of Iowa. The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and West Des Moines Police Department among others.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime through community collaboration and strategic enforcement priorities.