‘We couldn’t believe it’: Couple reeling after losing life savings in $14 million Ponzi scheme

TOMAHAWK, Wis. (WSAW/Gray News) - A Wisconsin couple says they are having to adjust their life after losing hundreds of thousands of dollars to someone they considered a close friend.Brian and Jeanine Tesch said they have been left with barely any money in their accounts thanks to Stanley Pophal, who, federal prosecutors say, defrauded 190 investors of $14.25 million over six years in a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme.The couple said the investment began with a $165,000 check before Pophal came for their life savings.“We wanted to have a beautiful future when we retired, help our kids out and our grandchildren. But that was taken away from us,” Jeanine Tesch said. “He talked us into selling our home and our land and everything.”Pophal promised their investments would double in five years and that he would have their backs if they didn’t. He sent them several checks, including some for $6,000 and one for $35,000.Jeanine said he was dangling a carrot in front of them, taking advantage o