Robert Cordova, also known as Robert Cordona, was sentenced on June 2 to 129 months in federal prison for robbing and assaulting a United States Postal Service letter carrier. U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman issued the sentence in San Jose.
Cordova, 51, of San Jose, was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 23, 2025, for federal robbery and assault charges. He pleaded guilty to both counts on March 31, 2026. According to his plea agreement, Cordova admitted entering a USPS mail truck intending to steal mail when he was confronted by a letter carrier. Cordova punched the letter carrier in the face and continued the assault after knocking him to the ground.
Court documents state that the victim suffered significant injuries, including a broken nose and fractured orbital socket that required permanent metal plate placement. Judge Freeman determined that Cordova qualified as a career offender under federal sentencing guidelines.
“Today’s sentence underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting federal employees who serve the public every day. Anyone who attacks postal workers—or any public servant—will be held fully accountable,” said United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian.
“Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime committed in this case. Hardworking people come into your neighborhoods to deliver mail; they deserve respect and protection,” said U.S. Postal Inspection Service San Francisco Division Inspector in Charge Stephen M. Sherwood. “Postal inspectors will not relent from bringing anyone who harms a postal worker to justice. I want to thank the San Jose Police Department for their excellent response and teamwork and the Northern District of California U.S. Attorney’s Office for their determination in prosecuting this case.”
Cordova was remanded into custody of the U.S. Marshals Service for transport to federal prison; he will also serve three years of supervised release following his term of incarceration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Neal C. Hong is prosecuting with assistance from Sahib Kaur; this investigation involved both USPIS and San Jose Police Department participation.
The Justice Department serves as the principal federal agency for law enforcement with more than 115,000 employees operating across all states and over 50 countries under Attorney General Merrick B. Garland’s leadership since March 11, 2021; its mission includes upholding rule of law and safeguarding civil rights, according to its official website.