3/29/2018 CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 38-year-old Corpus Christi man has been convicted of possessing stolen mail, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick along with Postal Inspector in Charge Adrian Gonzalez of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).

Christopher Escobedo admitted to stealing packages that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) had left on the front porches of Corpus Christi residents between Dec. 31, 2017, and Jan. 8, 2018. Authorities identified Escobedo or his vehicle in video surveillance at a number of locations where packages were stolen. On one occasion, an observant neighbor confronted Escobedo as he attempted to take a package. The neighbor was able to supply the authorities with Escobedo’s description and a license plate number of the vehicle he was using. Postal inspectors used this information to track down Escobedo and link him to a number of other package thefts in the area.

“The USPIS is committed to ensuring customers’ mail is protected from theft and criminal activity,” said Gonzalez. “Our efforts to protect the nation’s mail system is a strategic part of our mission and one of our highest priorities. Postal inspectors will vigorously pursue anyone attempting to commit theft against the USPS and its customers.”

U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos accepted the plea today and set sentencing for July 19, 2018. At that time, Escobedo faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

The USPIS conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. is prosecuting the case.