Theft of mail investigation widens into surrounding communities

(Cibolo) — A San Antonio man is behind bars after reportedly breaking into mailboxes and stealing mail from residents living on the west end of Guadalupe County.

Following usage of its automatic license plate reader and several investigative resources, Cibolo Police Detectives quickly identified and issued 31 arrest warrants for Daniel Avila. Avila was wanted in connection with the break-ins to 16 community mailboxes and the theft of the mail inside those boxes.

On Monday, March 31, Avila was located in San Antonio and taken into custody by the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Unit, Texas DPS, and the San Antonio Police Department. After serving warrants on the suspect’s residence and vehicle, Cibolo detectives say they were able to recover further evidence of mail theft and credit card fraud.

Avila was booked into the Guadalupe County Jail and charged with 16 counts for Criminal Mischief (greater than $100 but less than $750), each a Class B Misdemeanor, and 15 counts of Theft of Mail (between 10 items and 30 items), each a State Jail Felony.

At the time of his arrest, it was discovered that Avila also had 2 active misdemeanor arrest warrants as well as 6 active felony arrest warrants all issued out of Bexar County. He remains behind bars on bonds totaling $243,600.

Helping in the investigation was also the U.S. Postal Inspector. The investigation surrounding this case continues. Cibolo Police Detectives say additional arrests are possible. They also say they continue to work with several other surrounding law enforcement agencies, including the Bulverde Police Department and the San Antonio Police Department, where Avila is now a suspect in mail thefts in those communities.