Houston man accused of duping UK company out of $357K

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Federal charges have been filed against a man authorities say duped a U.K.-based company into wiring him $357,000.

The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas says Avery Lamarr Ayers, 48, of Houston, deceived Impact Oil and Gas. Authorities say he posed as a representative of Minas & Hidrocarbonetos-GB SARL, the legitimate company that was owed the funds from Impact Oil and Gas.

The indictment alleges Ayers deceived the company leading them to wire $357,000 to Ayers' Comerica Bank account in Houston.

Authorities did not say whether the funds were recovered.

If convicted, Ayers faces up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.