Two operators of a South Dakota staffing firm pleaded innocent this week to criminal charges related to improperly charging fees to workers for H-2B visas, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.

Scott and Shiela Kaubisch operated Global Employment Agency Inc. in Sturgis, S.D. They received payments of $500 to $4,000 from workers in the Philippines seeking H-2B visas, but on documents they falsely denied receiving such fees, according to the indictment. Employers must certify that neither it nor its agent receive payment from an employee for obtaining an H-2B visa.

Charges faced by the Kaubisches include conspiracy to commit an offense or to defraud the United States; wire fraud; false swearing in an immigration matter; and false statement, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office. The maximum penalty is 20 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.