Fifty-two-year-old Alethia Grooms of Clinton, pleaded guilty Wednesday to various charges, including possession of stolen property and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Court records show Grooms became friends with the scheme's alleged ringleader, Harriette Walters, in the 1980s while both were taking classes at the University of the District of Columbia.

Prosecutors say Grooms received fraudulent tax refund checks from Walters as early as June 1989.

As part of the plea agreement, Grooms agreed to repay about $650,000. She also faces prison time and fines.

A status hearing is set for Oct. 31.