BANGOR, Maine (AP) - Federal prosecutors in Maine say a Chelsea man has pleaded guilty to falsifying claims for Department of Veterans Affairs travel benefits.

U.S. Attorney Thomas Delahanty II said Thursday that 54-year-old Stephen Longstaff pleaded guilty Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Bangor to making false claims for VA travel benefits. The reimbursements are for expenses paid to people who must travel to receive VA services.

Court records say that between 2009 and 2012, Longstaff submitted more than 150 fraudulent claims for the benefits by overstating the distance he was driving between the Togus Medical Center and locations in Washington and Hancock counties, where he claimed to reside. He was paid over $17,000 in travel benefits.

Longstaff faces up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is pending.

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