KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) A woman accused of pretending to be pregnant to scam prospective adoptive parents in Kansas and elsewhere has notified the court she intends to change her plea.
A court notation Tuesday shows 34-year-old Chrystal Marie Rippey, of Marshall, Texas, is scheduled for a change-of-plea hearing Sept. 17 before a federal magistrate judge in Kansas City, Kansas.
Rippey was indicted in February on federal charges of mail and wire fraud.
Defense attorney Thomas Bartee did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
Prosecutors allege Rippey contacted adoption agencies and individuals, pretending she was pregnant and seeking to give up her unborn child for adoption. The indictment contends prospective parents bought her meals and gifts, believing she was willing to let them adopt her baby after birth.
