ALLEGHANY COUNTY Va. (Hinton News) – The Alleghany Highlands have recently experienced an increase in reports of packages and mail being taken during the late-night and early-morning hours. Complainants described the suspects as traveling in a white sedan with black rims, stopping at mailboxes and removing packages or any mail that appeared to contain items of value.
After numerous complaints on Facebook, the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office issued a request for citizens who noticed missing mail or packages to file a report. On December 9, 2025, Sheriff Moore authorized multiple surveillance teams to be stationed throughout western Alleghany County during overnight hours in hopes of identifying the individuals responsible.
At approximately 2:00 a.m. on December 10, 2025, off-duty Lieutenant Doug Altizer heard a vehicle stop near his residence. Looking outside, he observed a white sedan with black rims parked at his mailbox. Lt. Altizer quickly dressed, entered his vehicle, and began following the suspicious car. He caught up with it near the 5300 block of Indian Draft Road, where he witnessed two individuals going through a row of mailboxes. Using his department radio, he immediately requested additional units to assist.
Upon noticing Lt. Altizer’s vehicle approaching, the suspects returned to their own car and fled. Lt. Altizer continued to follow them until responding deputies executed a felony traffic stop at the intersection of Jackson River Road and Foxaway Lane.
Deputies took Kathleen Marie Davis, 22, and Corey Shane Martin, 23, both of 22 Eynn Subdivision, Alderson, West Virginia, into custody. The suspects admitted to stealing mail in the Alleghany Highlands for at least two weeks, stating that “times were tough” and they decided to take items belonging to others. They are currently facing 17 felony counts of mail theft. Investigators from the U.S. Postal Service, Bath County, and West Virginia are continuing to conduct interviews and coordinate evidence related to the case. Both Davis and Martin have been cooperative. A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded multiple pieces of mail and packages addressed to residents in the Indian Draft and Johnson’s Creek areas, along with $413.00 in cash. Both individuals were taken into custody and charged with 18 felony counts under Virginia State Code §18.2-110.1. They are currently being held at the Alleghany County Regional Jail.
This matter remains under investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Alleghany
County Sheriff’s Office.
Lt. Altizer commented, “I am happy that I was able to assist and finally get a cup of coffee.” Lt. Altizer serves as the Assistant Chief Jailer at the Regional Jail, and his quick actions played a crucial role in helping the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office save Christmas for many citizens. The Sheriff’s Office expresses its gratitude for his efforts.
Sheriff Moore stated that he is pleased these suspects were apprehended, noting that “times are tough for our citizens also, and they aren’t out here stealing other people’s stuff.” He credited the successful arrest to the quick thinking and swift response of all deputies and law enforcement personnel involved. Sheriff Moore emphasized that the department takes these crimes seriously and will pursue prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
Citizens who believe they may be missing mail or packages are encouraged to contact the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Section at 540-965-1770, extension 106.
