A Waterville, New York letter carrier is accused of opening mail addressed to others and keeping the contents.

Michael Oliver, 34, of Waterville, New York, has been charged with two counts of obstructing the United States mail, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1701. The two-count Information filed by the United States Attorney’s Office charges Mr. Oliver, a former letter carrier, with obstructing and retarding the passage of mail by opening mail addressed to others and retaining the contents of that mail on May 15, 2014 and September 3, 2014.

If convicted, Mr. Oliver faces up to six months in prison.

An investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Postal Service is ongoing. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael F. Perry. For additional information, contact Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney John G. Duncan at 315-448-0672.

The charges and allegations announced today are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.