Webster police recently conducted an undercover sting operation, resulting in the arrest of a Houston mailman involved in a comprehensive fraud and theft investigation.
In early December, US Postal Service employee Cornelius Davis found himself in a predicament. He was arrested in the parking lot of the Webster area Academy Sports and Outdoors on charges of tampering with a government document.
According to an extensive search warrant examined by ABC13, it is revealed that West had made an online purchase and was awaiting curbside pickup. The store management grew suspicious of possible credit card fraud and promptly notified the Webster police. In an effort to apprehend West, an officer disguised as an Academy employee successfully delivered the items to Davis. It was during this transaction that West allegedly presented a counterfeit identification, resulting in his subsequent arrest.
The investigation surrounding the Academy arrest is much broader than initially thought, as revealed in the search warrant. The US Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General conducted searches of Davis’ apartment and a storage unit, which led to the discovery of various items and documents. Surprisingly, investigators even found a large go-kart that they suspect Davis purchased using a stolen card. As a result, it is anticipated that Davis will face additional charges in the near future.
According to the warrant, investigators also conducted a search on Davis’ phone. They discovered screenshots that showed pickup orders from Academy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and James Avery. The search warrant revealed that Davis made approximately 40 purchases using credit cards believed to be stolen between November and December of 2024.
“I’m Miya from Channel 13. I’m looking for Mr. Cornelius. Cornelius Davis?” ABC13 reporter Miya Shay asked.
When Eyewitness News visited the address provided by Davis in his arrest record, Davis himself was not present. However, a man who claimed to be Davis’ grandfather denied the allegations, stating, “No, he wasn’t stealing any checks from the post office.”
The USPS OIG stated that it could not provide any comments regarding the ongoing investigation. In response, Webster police declined to offer an on-camera statement due to the involvement of undercover officers. However, they did mention that they anticipate the filing of further charges in the near future.
Attempts to reach Davis on the phone have also been unsuccessful. Davis, who is currently out on bond, remains unavailable for communication.