Two Arrested in Connection to Porch Piracy Scheme in Alleghany County
- BTW21
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Alleghany County, VA – December 12, 2025
(BTW21) Two individuals have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into a string of porch piracy incidents in the Alleghany Highlands, authorities announced today.
Kathleen Marie Davis, 22, and Corey Shane Martin, 23, both of West Virginia, have been charged with 17 counts of mail theft following their apprehension by local law enforcement.
The arrest came after weeks of increased reports from residents about packages and mail being stolen during the late-night and early-morning hours.
Victims reported seeing a white sedan with black rims, which investigators later confirmed as the getaway vehicle used by the suspects.
Sheriff Kyle Moore stated that the Sheriff's Office had been investigating a surge in mail thefts across western Alleghany County, prompting a coordinated response.
Surveillance efforts were ramped up, with deputies monitoring areas where thefts had been most frequent.
The breakthrough in the case came on the morning of December 12, 2025, when off-duty Lieutenant Doug Altizer, who serves as Assistant Chief Jailer at the Regional Jail, noticed suspicious activity near his own home around 2:00 a.m.
While in his vehicle, Lt. Altizer saw a white sedan stop at his mailbox. Observing two individuals rummaging through a row of mailboxes, he followed the vehicle and requested assistance from other deputies.
As Lt. Altizer continued to follow the suspects, the thieves noticed his presence and attempted to flee.
However, deputies were able to execute a felony traffic stop at the intersection of Jackson River Road and Foxaway Lane, successfully arresting Davis and Martin without incident.
A search of their vehicle uncovered stolen mail and packages, many of which were addressed to residents in the Indian Draft and Johnson’s Creek areas. Authorities also found $413 in cash. The U.S. Postal Service, Bath County authorities, and investigators from West Virginia are continuing to coordinate the investigation, interviewing the suspects and reviewing additional evidence.
In interviews, Davis and Martin reportedly admitted to stealing mail over a period of two weeks, claiming financial hardship as the reason behind their actions.
Anyone who believes they may be missing mail or packages is encouraged to contact the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Section at 540-965-1770, extension 106.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant during the busy holiday season.