OAKLAND, Calif. — A Houston woman admitted in federal court to participating in a conspiracy that stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in wages from DoorDash delivery drivers by hijacking their accounts and redirecting their earnings, federal prosecutors stated this week.
Evan Edwards, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín. Her co-defendant, Oluwatobi Otukelu, 26, also of Houston, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse. Judge Martínez-Olguín sentenced Otukelu on June 22 to 24 months in federal prison.
Federal prosecutors said Edwards and Otukelu conspired with others to steal wages from DoorDash contractors, known as “Dashers,” by using victims’ personal identifying information to impersonate them when contacting DoorDash customer support.
The conspirators took control of legitimate Dasher accounts, created unauthorized accounts, and redirected driver payments into accounts they controlled.
According to court records, the stolen money was spent on personal expenses, including vehicles, airline tickets, cosmetic procedures, and personal training.
Otukelu admitted the conspiracy stole at least $743,235.55 from Dashers and attempted to steal an additional $69,276.30. Edwards acknowledged responsibility for obtaining at least $160,115 through the scheme. Prosecutors said the conspiracy victimized at least 138 DoorDash drivers.
Quick Fact Checklist
- Defendant: Evan Edwards, 26, Houston, Texas
- Co-defendant: Oluwatobi Otukelu, 26, Houston, Texas
- Court: U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
- Judge: Araceli Martínez-Olguín
- Charge: Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
- Victims: At least 138 DoorDash delivery drivers (Dashers)
- Fraud Loss: At least $743,235.55 stolen; $69,276.30 additional attempted theft
- Amount Attributed to Edwards: At least $160,115
- Scheme: Hijacked DoorDash driver accounts using stolen personal information and redirected wage payments
- Money Spent On: Vehicles, airline tickets, cosmetic procedures, personal training
- Otukelu’s Sentence: 24 months in federal prison
- Edwards’ Sentencing: Nov. 9, 2026
- Maximum Penalty: 20 years in federal prison
Edwards is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 9, 2026, at 11 a.m. She faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine. The final sentence will be determined after the court considers the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory sentencing factors.
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Related News Links
For readers interested in similar cybercrime and fraud cases, consider linking to:
- DOJ charges involving identity theft and account takeover fraud
- DoorDash and gig economy fraud investigations
- Business Email Compromise (BEC) and wire fraud prosecutions
- Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) cases
- Identity theft and financial fraud enforcement actions by the FBI and DOJ