BLOOMSBURG — Alleging that his arrest may have been politically motivated, Bloomsburg Mayor Eric Bower says he intends to fight criminal charges that he attempted to solicit a prostitute.

Reached for comment Saturday, less than 24 hours after his arrest, Bower said the woman was not a stranger, but a friend he’s known for months.

Elected just last year, Bower said he has no intention of stepping down. The Democrat, 36, says the criminal allegation is irrelevant to his public role. Still, he said, Town Council is likely to discuss the matter at its meeting tomorrow evening.

Charges

State Police said Bower paid for sex with a confidential informant several times, most recently in early April.

Court papers say Bower and the informant exchanged text messages and phone calls Friday. Bower agreed to pay $200 for sex, the charges state. The two allegedly agreed to meet Friday evening at the Hampton Inn near the Lightstreet interchange of Interstate 80 in Scott Township, charges say.

When Bower showed up, allegedly with $200 cash, lubricant and condoms, he was arrested.

Arraigned then taken to Columbia County Prison, he was later released.

Setup suspected

Reached for comment Saturday, Bower said he believes he may have been set up, either for political or personal reasons. He suggested that perhaps his friend had gotten into trouble.

The mayor said he wanted to publicly thank his family and friends for their support in an embarrassing situation.

Defense attorney Patrick O’Connell, Bloomsburg, said he and his client intend to challenge the Commonwealth’s case in court. O’Connell declined to say more, noting it’s still early in the legal process.

He won handily

Bower was elected mayor last November, defeating Republican Carey Howell, 707 to 450. He had previously served on Town Council.

His involvement in town affairs began with a website aimed at Bloomsburg University students, BloomUtoday.com. The site sometimes featured video of late-night disturbances along Main Street, captured by surveillance cameras that Bower sold to downtown businesses.

Since his election, he’s been dogged by headlines stemming from a stormy relationship with his girlfriend, Bonnie Fulop. Most recently, he obtained a protection from abuse order against her, then dropped it just before his arrest.

Bower’s first court hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. May 2 before Bloomsburg District Judge Russell Lawton.

Gary Pang can be reached at 570-387-1234 ext. 1343 and at gary.pang@pressenterprise.net.