SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Carl R. Bonser, age 56, of Lehighton, Pennsylvania, was charged in a one count criminal information on May 2, 2017, 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.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 5 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
