Policing Archives – Athens County Independent

Victor Laverde Laguna and Gregory Javier Laverde Laguna.

An interview from ICE detention

By Dani Kington ● Courts ● January 15, 2026

Detained in an ICE facility, Victor Laverde Laguna alleges he and his brother Gregory Javier, who has Down syndrome, have experienced violence.

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After months in ICE custody, brothers to pursue voluntary departure

By Dani Kington ● Government ● January 14, 2026

The brothers’ immigration attorney said they will seek voluntary departure from the U.S. due to the toll of ongoing ICE detention.

Defense attorney Scott Petroff addresses Athens County Court of Common Pleas Judge Patrick Lang on behalf of Victor Laverde Laguna, who sits with his brother, Gregory Laverde Laguna.

County prosecutor declines to exonerate brothers detained by ICE

By Dani Kington ● Courts ● November 13, 2025

Gregory Laverde Laguna and Victor Laverde Laguna were brought to Athens County for a hearing in local criminal cases Wednesday.

Brothers facing charges in Athens County handed over to ICE

By Corinne Colbert & Dani Kington ● Policing & Courts ● November 3, 2025

It was not immediately clear how events unfolded locally or whether local officials cooperated with federal immigration agents.

Highway patrol trooper returns to duty after deadly July crash

By Shiloh Antonuccio ● Policing & Courts ● October 30, 2025

The trooper was estimated to be travelling over 120 miles per hour while trying to catch up with a motorist, before he struck a car, killing its occupants.

Man dies following standoff with police at Beasley Mill (Updated)

By Eric Boll, Dani Kington & Keri Johnson ● Public health and safety ● August 7, 2025

Following an hours-long standoff at the Beasley Mill apartment complex, a man suspected of shooting a woman this afternoon is “believed to have taken his own life,” according to Athens Police Department Chief Nick Magruder.