* This story has been updated to clarify details of the charges faced.

A Wānaka woman accused of being part of a million-dollar fraud through false cancer claims is now also facing a charge of sexual assault.

The Crown said Sepiuta Vave, 38, and her husband Andrew Jones, 28, were facing more than a dozen deception charges relating to six complainants.

Some of the charges related to allegedly defrauding people by claiming the money was for cancer treatment that was not needed.

The pair appeared by audio-visual link at the Christchurch District Court on Thursday, where it was revealed Vave was facing a new charge of unlawful sexual connection.

They have entered not guilty pleas and remain in custody.

A trial date has been set for September 2026.