Orlando, FL – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Carlos M. Rodriguez (25, Apopka) yesterday pleaded guilty to theft of the United States mail.  Rodriguez faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, beginning in October 2013, and continuing until his arrest on November 20, 2013, Rodriguez, who was employed as a contract highway route driver in Central Florida, opened letters and packages entrusted to him for delivery, and often stole or discarded the contents of that mail. During an undercover operation investigating his thefts, Rodriguez failed to properly deliver a parcel placed in the mail, and was approached by agents. During an interview with agents, Rodriguez admitted that he stole mail while driving his route. He further admitted to stealing numerous items and throwing away items that he did not want, after opening the parcels. The items kept by Rodriguez included a laptop computer, a tablet, sunglasses, clothing, food, and alcohol.  He also admitted to stealing gift cards, some of which he had on his person at the time. In a written statement, Rodriguez voluntarily said, in part, “The reason I did what I did was to make some extra money and see if I can get some good stuff.”

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Irick.