The government has moved forward with a plea agreement in its prosecution of James Matison, the former program director of the conservation nonprofit WildEarth Guardians.

He pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering charges in July and is currently awaiting sentencing.

Court documents say Matison used his position to contract with a co-defendant to carry out conservation projects, which were funded by the federal government.

But the Department of Justice says Matison overbilled for the work and pocketed the extra cash.

Part of the scheme involved an Arizona company under his control. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 in fines.