COVINGTON, Va. — A Covington man was arrested after authorities used social media posts and home security camera footage to identify him in connection with a toy theft, according to the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said William M. Tucker was arrested on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, and charged with felony mailbox theft. The investigation began after the Covington Police Department alerted sheriff’s deputies to images shared on Facebook by the victim, captured through a home camera system.
An officer confirmed that the vehicle shown in the images matched the description of a vehicle linked to Tucker. Deputies later met with the victim on Dressler Drive, who provided the images directly to authorities. A check of Virginia vehicle registration records further connected the vehicle and suspect.
Law enforcement then went to Tucker’s residence on Stuple Lane, where he initially denied involvement. According to deputies, Tucker later admitted to the theft after being confronted with the evidence and led authorities to where the stolen items were hidden.
A search warrant was executed at Tucker’s home, though investigators said no additional stolen toys were recovered. The items taken — intended as Christmas gifts for the victim’s child — included a Jellymallow weighted plush animal, a Spike Hedgehog toy, and a Peanut Ball Jr. toy.
Tucker remains in jail awaiting a court date. No bail information has been released. Authorities said the recovered toys were returned to the family before Christmas.
