KELLER, Texas — Two Keller residents, Felix Clark, 36, and Esther Amppiaw, 33, have pleaded guilty to federal charges connected to a romance scam that defrauded elderly victims across the United States.
According to court documents, Clark and Amppiaw were involved in a scheme that used fake online dating profiles to manipulate elderly individuals, including widows and widowers, into sending money. The funds were then transferred abroad, primarily to Ghana.
Clark pleaded guilty last month in Camden, New Jersey, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. He admitted to working with co-conspirators in Ghana from June to September 2022 to receive and move the stolen proceeds. Clark also acknowledged causing victim losses totaling over $500,000 and attempting to obstruct justice by submitting fake documents during the investigation.
Amppiaw pleaded guilty to operating an unlicensed money transmitter business from January 2022 through June 2023. During this time, she received more than $317,000 from unknown sources and sent the money to recipients including those in New Jersey and Ghana, knowing it included fraud proceeds.
Wire fraud and conspiracy each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years, while operating an unlicensed money transmitter business carries up to 5 years. Both offenses also carry potential fines up to $250,000 or twice the amount gained or lost.
Sentencing for Clark is scheduled for September 10, 2025, and Amppiaw’s hearing is set for September 23.
