Polk County Investigators Break Up Ongoing Mail Theft Ring; Suspect Arrested

Photo Courtesy of Polk County Sheriff's Office

POLK COUNTY, Texas — A months-long investigation into widespread mail theft across Polk County has led to the arrest of a repeat offender and the identification of multiple accomplices, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office began receiving reports of mail theft in July 2025, but at the time many residents declined to pursue charges or request formal reports. That changed in November, when the volume and severity of thefts increased sharply as the holiday mailing season approached and more valuable items were being sent.

In response, the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, working alongside the Narcotics Division, launched a coordinated investigation after several victims elected to move forward with prosecution. Detectives and patrol deputies increased patrols in affected neighborhoods and responded to citizen reports of dumped mail.

During these efforts, stolen mail was recovered from multiple locations, including county roads, boat ramps, and roadside ditches throughout Polk County.

Primary Suspect Identified

Investigators developed a list of suspects and ultimately narrowed the case to a small group, with Cory Erickson Ledwell, also known as Eric, emerging as the primary suspect. Ledwell, 38, is well known to law enforcement in Polk County and surrounding areas due to prior criminal activity.

On November 28, Ledwell was arrested at the Blanchard Boat Ramp on a charge of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine. Following his arrest, reports of mail theft temporarily stopped. At the time, Ledwell was already on parole for a prior possession offense.

Theft Reports Resume — Then Stop Again

Mail theft reports resumed on December 10, prompting investigators to continue gathering evidence. That evidence linked Ledwell, additional Polk County residents, and Ledwell’s ex-wife — who resides in Walker County near Huntsville — to mail thefts along:

• FM 350 North

• FM 3152

• Indian Hills

• Forest Hills

• Alabama Point

• Castlewood

• FM 942 East and West

On December 15, Ledwell traveled to Plano, and mail thefts in Polk County once again ceased. Detectives notified the Plano Police Department of Ledwell’s presence in their jurisdiction.

Two days later, on December 17, Plano authorities reported an increase in mail thefts in their area. On December 19, Plano police located and arrested Ledwell on a parole warrant, with an additional charge of possession of a controlled substance.

More Charges Pending

Polk County detectives continue building their case and are preparing a mail theft warrant to ensure Ledwell is returned to Polk County to face charges from victims who have chosen to prosecute. Warrants for additional accomplices are also expected as supporting evidence is finalized.

Investigators also confirmed that a separate string of mail thefts in northern Polk County remains under investigation. A follow-up press release will be issued once those suspects are arrested.

Community Help Made the Difference

Sheriff Byron Lyons thanked residents who provided tips and information during the investigation, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation.

Community involvement is vital in solving and preventing crime, the Sheriff said, and plays a key role in keeping Polk County a safer place to live.

The Sheriff’s Office also acknowledged the efforts of Chief Deputy Andy Lowrie, along with detectives, patrol deputies, and partnering agencies who worked the case across multiple jurisdictions.