HOUSTON -- A former postal carrier in Houston faces up to five years in federal prison for theft after more than 3,000 stolen mail items were recovered in his home.

AP photo

Sentencing is Sept. 29 for 40-year-old Lorenzo Moreno Jr. of Seabrook.

Prosecutors say Moreno pleaded guilty Monday to three counts of mail theft.

The 2007 investigation began with complaints to the U.S. Postal Service of mailed items, including retail gift cards and Netflix DVDs, not reaching their destinations.

An internal investigation led to Moreno’s route.

Moreno started as a postal carrier in November 1997. He resigned Feb. 2.