WINCHESTER, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) A longtime public official in Winchester is facing criminal charges after allegedly falsifying a marriage license.

James Tetreault, 60, who serves as the town’s clerk and tax collector, was arrested on Thursday and charged with one felony count of vital records fraud and one misdemeanor count of notarial misconduct, according to the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office.

Authorities allege that Tetreault, a justice of the peace, falsely certified and signed a marriage license, claiming to have performed a wedding ceremony that never took place. The alleged misconduct has led to serious legal consequences, as falsifying vital records is considered a class B felony in New Hampshire.

If convicted, Tetreault could face between 3 ½ to 7 years in prison and a fine of up to $4,000 for the felony charge. The misdemeanor charge carries a potential penalty of up to a year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Tetreault is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on May 7 at the Eighth Circuit Court in Keene.

The case is being prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Election Law Unit, with investigators from the New Hampshire Department of Justice leading the inquiry.