Ashland, VA Business and Corporate Attorney News Archive

Jeremiah Wiley, a resident from the Ashland area in Hanover County, Virginia, was arrested on February 27, 2025, following allegations of stealing over $2,000 in valuables from a home on Berkley Woods Drive.

The Ashland Police Department began their investigation after receiving a burglary report on October 16, 2025. Wiley is now facing multiple serious charges, including burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, grand larceny, and intent to sell stolen property.

Legal experts suggest that this case could have broader implications for civil litigation related to property crime in Virginia. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, highlighting the importance of community involvement in ongoing criminal defense efforts.

Following Governor Abigail Spanberger's recent response to the State of the Union, Virginia Democrats are ramping up their campaign to limit collaboration between the state and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Spanberger, along with lawmakers such as Del. Alfonso Lopez and Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim, has raised concerns about the lack of adequate federal training for immigration enforcement officers. They underscore the importance of developing policies that protect civil liberties and foster trust within the community.

In response to these concerns, proposed legislation in the Virginia General Assembly seeks to restrict local law enforcement from partnering with ICE. Advocates argue that existing agreements diminish public safety and undermine community policing efforts. Immigration rights supporters are voicing their backing for these legislative measures, highlighting the harmful impact of masked officers and warrantless entries on immigrant families and communities.

As discussions continue in Virginia, the state's stance on immigration will remain a critical focal point amid ongoing national debates surrounding border security and civil rights.

Residents of Hanover County, Virginia, are expressing their concerns over a proposed data center in Ashland, which is set to be voted on by the planning commission. The project, known as the Mountain Road Technology Park, covers over 400 acres off Route 33 and has raised alarms among local property owners like Chris Perdue. He worries that the development could disrupt the community and threaten their wells, even though the developers from Tract have promised to connect to county water systems.

Brandy Banton, an organizer for Friends of Hanover, has emphasized several critical issues, including the anticipated energy demands, necessary infrastructure changes, and the potential long-term impact of an increased corporate technology presence in the area.

The pivotal vote is scheduled to occur at the Hanover County Administration Building on February 19. As the date approaches, residents are questioning whether this development truly aligns with their interests, especially in light of rising civil litigation related to real estate law.

In Hanover County, Virginia, 92-year-old Jean Folly is fervently advocating for the preservation of the historic Hickory Hill Slave and African American Cemetery. Her efforts reflect a deep-rooted connection to the community's history, as this burial ground is closely tied to her family's legacy.

The cemetery, which was once part of a plantation owned by W.F. Wickham, is the resting place for at least 149 individuals, including some of Folly’s own ancestors. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers and local historians, such as Reber Dunkel, the site has been successfully nominated for the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places.

In 2022, the establishment of a nonprofit organization has further bolstered fundraising efforts, allowing for continued research and preservation activities. Folly emphasizes the critical importance of honoring and remembering the lives of those interred at the cemetery, ensuring that future generations will appreciate their rich history within Virginia.

Residents and local officials in Hanover County, Virginia, are uniting against a proposal by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to transform a large warehouse in Ashland into a processing center. This plan has ignited strong feelings within the community, leading to over 100 demonstrators attending a recent Board of Supervisors meeting to express their concerns about its effects on immigration enforcement and community safety.

During the meeting, Board members clarified that the county does not own the property in question but expressed their firm opposition to the establishment of the ICE facility. They urged U.S. legislators to work with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to find alternative locations for the processing center.

Supporters of the facility argue it could improve public safety by focusing on serious offenders. However, the majority of local residents worry that the negative consequences could lead to problems similar to those experienced in other states, such as Minnesota.

As the county prepares a formal response to ICE’s proposal, which is due by mid-February, the discussion continues regarding the potential effects on real estate dynamics and local business interests in the Ashland area.

In a recent and passionate Board of Supervisors meeting in Hanover County, Virginia, over 500 residents voiced their strong opposition to the Department of Homeland Security's proposal to convert a 552,576-square-foot warehouse in Ashland into an ICE detention center.

Board Chair Sean Davis emphasized that the site, located off Lakeridge Parkway, contradicts the community's land-use plans. He urged the DHS to explore a more suitable location for the facility. Concerns about the proposal were heightened due to its potential impact on local resources, public safety, and its close proximity to historically significant neighborhoods.

As local lawmakers and community leaders, including Rev. Sterling Severns, assess the legal implications and the community's values, the Board of Supervisors is determined to work with Virginia’s congressional delegation to seek alternative solutions. This situation underscores a growing anxiety surrounding immigration enforcement policies and their effects on business and real estate interests in the region.

In Hanover County, Virginia, a proposed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Ashland has ignited considerable public concern. Over 100 protesters gathered at a recent Board of Supervisors meeting to express their opposition to the plan.

Local officials have stated they were not involved in the site selection process and have indicated that the proposed location does not align with Hanover County's Comprehensive Plan or land use policies. Many community members voiced their worries about the potential impact of the center on their neighborhood, drawing comparisons to unsettling incidents occurring across the nation.

Concerned Hanover County supervisors are calling on U.S. senators and representatives to step in and look for alternative sites for the ICE facility. They believe that moving the location is crucial to maintaining the integrity of local real estate and community cohesion.

As the county prepares to submit a formal response to the proposal by mid-February, residents of Ashland remain anxious about the outcome and what it may mean for their community.

Richmond, Virginia, is on the brink of a major development with more than $10 million in funding approved by the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) for the Diamond District project. Mayor Danny Avula has underscored the significance of this initiative, which aims to bolster local transportation infrastructure and drive economic growth in the area.

This funding will focus on essential upgrades such as traffic signage and drainage systems along key routes like Arthur Ashe Boulevard and Hermitage Road. Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Sharon Ebert stressed that this financial backing is crucial for keeping the project on track, ensuring it moves forward as planned toward its completion date in March 2027.

As various stakeholders collaborate—including neighboring jurisdictions and public officials like CVTA TAC Board Member Dironna Moore Clarke—the Diamond District is set to evolve into a dynamic hub for business and community activities in Richmond.

Plans have been finalized to transform a 550,000-square-foot warehouse in Ashland, Virginia, into a processing center for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This confirmation comes from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The property, owned by Jim Pattison Developments, will see modifications that include the creation of holding spaces and enhanced security features to facilitate ICE operations.

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula has addressed community concerns about this development. He emphasized the importance of separating local law enforcement from federal immigration agents and underscored the rights of residents during this transition.

As Hanover County officials prepare to discuss the implications of the facility in an upcoming board meeting, the local community and recognized tribes, such as the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, have 30 days to voice their opinions. This development brings to light significant issues surrounding immigration policies, real estate rights, and the community's response to federal enforcement actions.

Amtrak has recently upgraded the Ashland and Richmond stations by installing Passenger Information Display Systems (PIDS). This initiative is a significant advancement in enhancing public safety and improving the travel experience for passengers in Virginia. Pamela Novak, the manager of the Ashland Visitor Center, highlighted that these new systems have effectively reduced the confusion that travelers previously encountered regarding train arrivals.

Mike McLaughlin, the Chief Operating Officer of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, pointed out that providing timely information is essential for safety and plays a critical role in supporting local businesses by increasing foot traffic. With ridership on the rise—over 131,000 passengers used Amtrak Virginia services in July alone—local officials are optimistic about the potential benefits for tourism.

Katherine O'Donnell from Richmond Region Tourism echoed this sentiment, noting that these upgrades could significantly bolster the area's tourism appeal. The improvements not only enhance the experience for rail travelers but also positively impact the local business landscape, underscoring the importance of clear communication in transportation and real estate law across the state.

Kenneth Towles, Jr., a 23-year-old from Ashland, Virginia, has been charged with attempted robbery after an incident at the Wells Fargo Bank on S. Washington Highway. The Ashland Police Department, with assistance from the Hanover County Sheriff's Office, quickly apprehended Towles during the attempted theft on August 1st.

Currently, Towles is being held without bond at the Pamunkey Regional Jail as authorities work through the legal proceedings of his case. Local officials emphasize the importance of community collaboration in tackling issues related to criminal defense and civil litigation.

This incident underscores the ongoing efforts in Virginia to enhance business security and maintain law and order throughout the community.