The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Frank J. Strzelec, former Officer in Charge of the Center Rutland, Vermont Post Office, was arraigned today on the misdemeanor charge of knowingly and willfully obstructing and retarding the passage of mail of a Post Officer customer. Strzelec was released pending trial by United States Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy, on the condition that he have no contact with that postal customer.

The information charging Strzelec with obstructing mail is an accusation only; he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Strzelec faces a maximum possible penalty of 6 months in prison, and up to $5,000 in fines. The actual sentence, in the event of conviction, will be determined by the Court with reference to the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The investigation was led by the Office of the Inspector General for the United States Postal Service in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Assistant United States Attorney Christina Nolan is handling the prosecution. Strzelec is represented by Alison Arms of the Federal Public Defenders Office in Burlington, Vermont.