All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Barbour County man allegedly signs false name on shoplifting citation at Walmart

Leary

BUCKHANNON – A Barbour County man was arrested for allegedly giving a false name to police officers after attempting to shoplift.

Lucas W. Leary, 28, of Philippi, W.Va., was arrested for two counts of forgery or uttering, a felony, and obstructing an officer, a misdemeanor.

According to the criminal complaint in the Upshur County Magistrate Clerk’s Office filed by Patrolman Jonathan Warner with the Buckhannon Police Department, on May 27, 2023, the E911 Upshur County Communication Center dispatched a call regarding alleged shoplifting at Walmart. Upon arrival, Asset Protection Lead Michael Wright informed Sgt. Tom Posey and Warner about the events that transpired.

Wright stated that Leary was allegedly attempting to use a magnet to unlock protected items in the store. Upon questioning, Leary allegedly gave police a false name, saying his name was Joseph Isaiah Leary. Warner issued a citation for first-offense shoplifting, which is a misdemeanor, according to West Virginia Code.

A criminal background check was conducted on the name Joseph Isaiah Leary, and no prior convictions for shoplifting were listed under that name. Wright, the Asset Protection Lead, and another Asset Protection employee used social media images to determine Leary’s true identity, the criminal complaint says. In addition, the report states that officers asked Leary multiple times if the name he had signed on the citation was his true identity, and he reportedly told police his name was ‘Joseph’ and denied having the name ‘Lucas.’

Leary signed the citation under the name of Joseph Isaiah Leary. He was then questioned again about the name he had signed on the citation, at which point he allegedly admitted his name was, in fact, Lucas Wayne Leary.

Bail was set at $33,000 cash or surety by Upshur County Magistrate Alan Suder.

The penalty for forgery or uttering is confinement in the penitentiary for not less than one nor more than 10 years, or, in the discretion of the court, confinement in jail for not more than one year and a fine of up to $500.

The penalty for obstructing is a fine ranging between $50 and $500, confinement in jail for up to a year or both.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon man charged with stealing package from ex-wife’s building, stalking

A Buckhannon man was arrested after allegedly stealing a package and contacting a woman against her will. Thomas Summers, 36, faces charges including entering without breaking, stalking, petit larceny and possession of a controlled substance.

Those pretty red leaves? They’re lying to you: The surprising truth about poinsettias

aoinsettias’ bright red “petals” aren’t flowers at all — they’re modified leaves called bracts, with the true flowers in the tiny yellow center. Learn about the plant’s Aztec roots, how it became a holiday staple, and simple tips to keep it thriving.

Buckhannon man charged with felony domestic battery after altercation over car keys

A Buckhannon man was arrested on a charge of domestic battery, third offense, after allegedly striking a woman when he was “extremely intoxicated” and they refused to give him his car keys.

West Virginia State Parks announces First Day Hikes for New Year’s Day

Twenty-one state parks and forests — including Audra and Canaan — will host free guided hikes on January 1 to help visitors kick off 2026 outdoors.

Mountain CAP to host free workshop for dads in January

Mountain CAP Family Support Center is hosting a free Key Behaviors Workshop for dads and male caregivers on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Buckhannon.

The Thread Lab opens Main Street storefront in Buckhannon for custom embroidery and apparel

The Thread Lab has opened a Main Street storefront in Buckhannon, giving customers an easier way to shop and order custom embroidered and personalized apparel. General manager Ashley Marple said a grand opening is planned after the holidays.

WVU doctors warn of whooping cough surge in West Virginia, highest in 15 years

West Virginia is experiencing its highest number of whooping cough cases since 2010, with WVU doctors warning about symptoms and risks. Untreated, the infection can linger for months.

Thomas “Tom” Jesse Riley

Thomas “Tom” Jesse Riley, 71, of Buckhannon, WV, a longtime trucker and owner of Riley Trucking and Repair, died December 19, 2025, and is survived by his wife Mary Ann, five children, grandchildren and siblings.

Michele Lynn Mellon

Michele Lynn Mellon, 78, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and Hallmark employee who loved faith, family and handwritten cards, died peacefully at home after an injury and subsequent stroke.