WICHITA, KS–Maria S. Alvidrez, 30, Plains, was charged Tuesday with two counts of theft of mail  according to a news release from U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom. Alvidrez was employed as a Postal Support Employee (PSE)  at the post office in Kismet.

Alvidrez, hired in 2015, allegedly committed the crimes between April and May 2015.

If convicted, Alvidrez faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting the case.

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.