MILLERSBURG, Pa.—A police officer in central Pennsylvania is facing criminal charges claiming he abused his power to spy on his estranged wife.

Investigators said Millersburg police officer Jeremy Ulsh suspected his wife was having an affair in 2008 because he saw some racy text messages on her cell phone. So authorities say he falsified a search warrant to find out whom she was texting.

Dauphin County District Attorney Ed Marsico said Thursday that Ulsh is charged with perjury, tampering with public records, and official oppression after admitting he fabricated the search warrant.

Court documents indicate that Ulsh and his wife were going through a divorce at the time.

He was released on $10,000 bail and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 17.

Millersburg's mayor says Ulsh is suspended without pay.