From Sonic To The Slammer: Unusual Activity In The Valley

By Editor | August 13, 2025 |

Methamphetamine and other suspected drugs seized during a Monday night arrest in Water Valley are shown bagged and tagged in police evidence.

WATER VALLEY – A disturbance call on North Main Street Monday night set off a chain of arrests that capped an already eventful week for Water Valley police — a week that also included a fake $100 movie prop bill, two stolen trucks found in the same odd location, and a DUI arrest.
Police Chief Jason Mangrum said officers were dispatched around 8 p.m. Aug. 11 after a citizen reported two people arguing. They found Justin Tuckes, 27, of Water Valley, and Amber Rich, 24, of Batesville, near North Main and Wise Street.

Officers knew Tuckes had an outstanding warrant for defrauding an innkeeper — a charge that stems from a July 8 incident at Sonic Drive-In. According to Mangrum, Tuckes allegedly handed a carhop a fake credit card to pay for four cheeseburger combos, mozzarella sticks, pickle tots, and a strawberry milkshake — a $66 order — then drove off before the employee could return to say the card didn’t work. Staff identified him, and a warrant was issued.

Rich may also face charges if investigators confirm she was in the vehicle during that July incident.
While making Monday night’s arrest, officers saw Tuckes and Rich trying to pass items between each other. A search turned up two bags containing a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine, a small jar with a similar substance, some marijuana, and another substance that will be sent to the crime lab for testing. Both were arrested for possession of a controlled substance with intent.

Tuckes remains in the Yalobusha County Detention Center on the drug charge, the Sonic warrant, and a hold from the Mississippi Department of Corrections for violating parole on a previous possession-with-intent conviction. Rich is being held on a $10,000 bond.
“We had been looking for him before Monday night and just hadn’t seen him around,” Mangrum told the Herald about Tuckes.

Beer, Speed, and a DUI

On Aug. 9, officers stopped Madison Mooneyham, 27, of Vardaman, for driving 74 mph in a 55 zone on Highway 7. Mangrum said the traffic stop quickly turned into a DUI investigation after officers noticed signs of impairment — and a cold Michelob Ultra sitting in plain view on the passenger seat. Mooneyham allegedly tried to hide the beer when officers returned to her vehicle after checking her driver’s license. She was arrested and charged with DUI 1st offense and speeding, and booked into the Yalobusha County Detention Center.

Movie Money at Jack’s

On Aug. 7, officers were called to Jack’s on South Main after a woman tried to pay for $33.40 in food with a fake $100 bill clearly marked “For Movie Prop Use Only.”

The suspect, Samantha Thomas, 42, of Water Valley, claimed her kids found the bill around the house and she didn’t know it was fake. She left without her food but was stopped a short time later after employees photographed her license plate. Thomas was charged with false pretenses.
Truck Thefts with a Strange Connection

Two stolen trucks were recovered last week — both found behind the same abandoned mobile home on County Road 25.

The first theft, reported Aug. 3 from Greer Drive, involved a red 1994 Dodge pickup. It was recovered that afternoon thanks to a friend of the owner spotting it. The second theft happened Aug. 5, when a Central Street resident woke up to the sound of his 1998 Chevrolet starting up. That truck was found later the same day in the very same spot as the Dodge.

Both trucks were older models with the keys left in the ignition, and one had damage suspected from striking a utility pole. Investigators have ruled out one person of interest thanks to surveillance footage but haven’t yet identified additional suspects.

“Just a word of caution — please take your keys out of your vehicle,” Mangrum urged.

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