Robert Cordova, Robbery and Assault, California 2026

A brazen attack on a United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier has left law enforcement officials reeling. Robert Cordova, 49, of San Jose, California, has pleaded guilty to one count of Robbery of a United States Mail Carrier and one count of Assaulting a Federal Employee.

Cordova’s guilty plea comes after he was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 23, 2025, on charges of robbery and assault. In connection with his plea, Cordova admitted to entering a USPS mail truck with the intent to steal mail. When confronted by the letter carrier, Cordova punched the victim in the face, knocking him to the ground. He then continued to punch the letter carrier several times in the face and head.

The assault on the USPS letter carrier is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by postal workers every day. According to the USPS, mail carriers are more likely to be attacked than any other group of workers.

Cordova’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 2, 2026, before U.S. District Court Judge Beth Labson Freeman. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for Robbery of a United States Mail Carrier, as well as 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for Assaulting a Federal Employee.

The investigation into Cordova’s crimes was a joint effort between the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the San Jose Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neal C. Hong is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Sahib Kaur.

The guilty plea marks a significant victory for law enforcement officials in their efforts to protect USPS employees. As the investigation into Cordova’s crimes continues, it is clear that the consequences for those who attack postal workers will be severe.

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