ABINGDON, Va. — The second of two southwestern Virginia residents charged in an unemployment scheme has entered a guilty plea.

Christopher Hammonds, 36, pleaded guilty Thursday to a single count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. In doing so, he joins Amie Hammonds, 33, who pleaded guilty to the same charge back in July.

According to their indictment, the two submitted claims for pandemic unemployment benefits, despite not being eligible for them. In all, the pair received more than $55,000.

In addition to repaying the money, the two will face up to five years in prison when they are sentenced in November.