The Shadow
ALLEGHANY COUNTY, Va. (VR) — A Covington man was arrested Tuesday in connection with a package theft on Dressler Drive after officers used social media images and surveillance footage to identify the suspect.
On December 23, 2025, the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office was notified by Covington Police Officer Pullin, who was observing a vehicle matching the description of one posted on Facebook by the victim of the theft. The victim had shared images of the suspect and vehicle captured by a home camera system.
First Sergeant Curry responded to the area and contacted the victim, who forwarded the images to law enforcement. A check of the Virginia vehicle registration returned information consistent with the individual depicted. The suspect was identified as William M. Tucker, of Stuple Lane in Covington.
Officers made contact with Tucker at his residence. Tucker initially denied involvement but later admitted to the theft after being informed that photographic and video evidence identified him. He led officers to the location where the stolen items were hidden.
The stolen property included a Jellymallow weighted plush animal, a Spike Hedgehog toy, and a Peanut Ball Jr. toy, all of which had been purchased as Christmas gifts for the victim’s child.
A search warrant was obtained and served at the residence. No additional stolen items were found. Tucker was arrested, advised of his Miranda Rights, and transported to the Alleghany Regional Jail, where he was charged with felony mailbox theft.
After being processed and photographed as evidence, the recovered items were returned to the victim shortly after midnight on Christmas Eve.
Sheriff Kyle M. Moore praised the officers involved, stating their teamwork helped “make Christmas a little better for another Alleghany County citizen.”
Moore added that while he understands financial hardship, it does not excuse theft, noting that local assistance programs are available to help families during difficult times.
The investigation remains ongoing.
