LAKE ANDES, S.D. (AP) — Three people facing felony charges stemming from an investigation surrounding South Dakota's GEAR UP grant program were in court for their initial appearances.

Dan Guericke, Stephanie Hubers and Stacy Phelps appeared Tuesday at the Charles Mix County Courthouse.

Attorney General Marty Jackley said last week that a couple who died in a murder-suicide last year stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from the educational cooperative where they worked.

Authorities say Phelps and Guericke helped Scott and Nicole Westerhuis attempt to avoid a potential audit of a nonprofit where the couple had ties. Hubers faces charges related to theft or receiving stolen property.

Dana Hanna, an attorney for Phelps, says accusations he falsified evidence are "groundless." Guericke declined to comment. An attorney for Hubers didn't immediately return a request for comment.

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