Ismail J. Ramsey, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California
A federal grand jury has indicted Robert Cordova, also known as Robert Cordona, on charges of robbery and assault involving a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier. Cordova, 49, from San Jose, was arrested and appeared in federal district court today.
The charges stem from an incident on November 22, 2024. According to the complaint, a USPS letter carrier was sorting parcels near Taylor Street and 13th Street in San Jose when he noticed his mail truck moving. Upon investigation, he found Cordova inside the truck. When confronted, Cordova allegedly attacked the letter carrier, resulting in serious injuries including a broken nose and fractured left orbital socket.
San Jose Police Department officers apprehended Cordova in a nearby backyard following the alleged robbery. The letter carrier identified him as the attacker after his arrest.
Cordova is scheduled for a detention hearing on February 6, 2025. United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Stephen M. Sherwood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service announced the indictment.
The indictment indicates that crimes are alleged but not proven; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt. If convicted, Cordova could face significant penalties including up to 25 years in prison for robbery under 18 U.S.C. § 2114(a), and up to 20 years for assaulting a federal employee under 18 U.S.C. §111(a) and (b).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Neal C. Hong is prosecuting with support from Lynette Dixon. The case results from investigations by USPIS and SJPD.
Information regarding mail theft or related crimes can be reported to USPIS at 877-876-2455.