Three Forsyth County residents were arrested Thursday and charged with attempting to influence a witness, Sheriff Ted Paxton said.

Carly Sullivan, 31, and Michael Sullivan, 40, of Lake Hollow Drive and James Anton Roberts of Pinetree Circle each face one felony charge of influencing a witness. The Sullivans are husband and wife.

Lt. Col. Gene Moss of the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division said the case dates back to last year when Michael Sullivan was arrested and charged with rape. Moss said that Sullivan allegedly contacted Roberts to speak with the rape victim in an attempt to get the victim to drop the charges.

At some point, a sum of money was offered to the victim to change her testimony, Moss said. Instead, the victim contacted authorities and a sting operation was set up.

Roberts was arrested and further investigation resulted in the arrest of the Sullivans.