Pair of Mail Thieves Convicted in Texas

Houston, TX – Since November 2022, multiple joint investigations were conducted on Tarah Hill and Cody Polanco for mail theft, identity theft, bank fraud, and various drug related offenses by postal inspectors from the Houston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Sugar Land Police Department, Memorial Villages Police Department, Harris County Precinct 4 and 5 Constable’s Office Harris County Sheriff’s Office, and College Station Police Department.

As a result of these investigations, Hill and Polanco both pleaded guilty to various crimes and were sentenced to 10 years and 3 years respectively in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice state prison.

On December 10, 2024, in Harris County, Texas, Polanco pleaded guilty to a 2nd degree felony for fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, and was sentenced to 3 years in prison.

On January 8, 2025, in Brazos County, Texas, Hill pleaded guilty to a 1st degree felony for manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance and a 2nd degree felony for fraudulent use or possession of credit card or debit card information, and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The Postal Inspection Service values our law enforcement partners for supporting our mission, extending appreciation to the aforementioned agencies for their assistance with ensuring mail thieves are brought to justice.

It is important to note that criminal charges are only allegations against a person. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.