RALEIGH, N.C. (WITN) – An Eastern Carolina couple has admitted to a fraud scheme totaling some $279,000 in COVID-19 relief funds.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office says Joe Jefferson faces up to 31 years in prison after his guilty plea, while his wife, Danyael, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud.

The feds say the husband recruited others to pose as landlords for properties in the area.

Jefferson then submitted fake NC HOPE loan applications for emergency rental assistance.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office says after cashing checks, Jefferson and the phony landlords then split the proceeds.

The Jeffersons will be sentenced later this year by U.S. District Judge James Dever II.