WYOMING COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A stolen piece of heavy logging equipment has been recovered in Wyoming County, with authorities now seeking charges against a suspect accused of stealing the machinery and attempting to cash in on a reward.
According to the West Virginia State Police Jesse Detachment, a complaint was received around 12:18 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026, regarding a stolen log skidder from a job site in the Cyclone area.
The victim, who operates a logging company, reported the equipment missing after learning that a video had surfaced showing machinery being driven away from the site during the early morning hours. A worker later confirmed the equipment in the video belonged to the company.
After several hours of searching, the victim was contacted by Steven Cox, who allegedly disclosed the location of the skidder while attempting to collect a reward being offered for its return. The victim traveled to the location provided and successfully recovered the stolen equipment.
While examining the skidder, the victim discovered a glove inside the cab bearing a name written in black marker. The item was photographed and later turned over to investigators as evidence.
Authorities say additional items were also taken, including tire chains valued at approximately $3,500, as well as batteries removed from multiple pieces of equipment at the site.
The investigation continued into April. On April 2, 2026, troopers obtained a recorded statement from a witness who reported finding the stolen skidder parked in their driveway around 4:00 a.m. The witness stated they observed Cox and another unidentified male leaving the equipment before later returning at daylight to move it again.
According to investigators, the skidder was ultimately relocated to the base of Huff Mountain near an abandoned house, where it was later recovered.
All incidents occurred within Wyoming County.
Troopers finally caught Steven Cox and arrested him on charges of grand larceny, tampering with a vehicle, and attempted fraudulent schemes.
