The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Carl R. Bonser, 56, of Lehighton, was charged in a one count criminal information on Tuesday with false, fictitious or fraudulent claims.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the information alleges that from Jan. 1, 2016 through Oct. 31, 2016, Bonser, in his official capacity as Postmaster of the Orwigsburg Post Office, falsely requested monetary compensation for travel that never occurred, causing a loss of $6,500.

The United States also filed a plea agreement, which is subject to the approval of the Court, wherein it is indicated that Bonser intends to plead guilty to the charges when he appears in federal court for his arraignment.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.