Tami and Kevin Sawyer avoid a trial with a plea deal in federal court in Eugene today.

It's been nearly four years since the fraud investigation began into what prosecutors call a real estate scheme that took about $4-million from investors.

Tami and Kevin Sawyer were able to get numerous continuances  for the trial, and finally, made a "conditional guilty plea" - similar to an "Alford Plea" for their deeds.

Our news partner, News Channel 21 reports Tami pled a conditional guilty to 21 counts, while her husband, a former Bend Police Lieutenant pled to only one count.

Their lawyers’ defense was that they would repay the money; but U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken rejected that line of defense and the lawyer quickly asked for a plea deal.

The Sawyers will likely spend some time in prison: up to 30 years for Kevin and even decades for Tami.  The sentencing date is April 30th.