In a news release, United States Attorney Bill Nettles said James Lee Putnam, 40, and Alissa Rae Smith, 29, both of Myrtle Beach, pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court in Florence to Conspiracy to Make a False Statement.

Nettle said United States District Court Judge Robert Bryan Harwell accepted the plea. The two will be sentenced after Harwell reviews a presentence being done by the U.S. Probation Office.

According to the release, Putnam conspired with others to accept a payment of $36,500 from the proceeds of a real estate transaction. The payment was not reflected on the settlement statement for the transaction, which was provided to the lender.

Nettles also said testimony revealed that Smith received a payment of over $200,000 from the proceeds of a real estate transaction. The payment was reflected on the settlement statement, but was based on a fraudulent invoice.

Mr. Nettles stated the maximum penalty Putnam and Smith can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for 5 years, plus a special assessment of $100.

The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John C. Potterfield of the Columbia office handled the case.