Pack the Wise County Court – Demand Action for Austin Arocho
By: UPROAR Admin · June 1, 2025
Major Update
Victory for Austin Arocho
✅ The retaliatory felony was dismissed (nolle prosequi) and Austin was moved to a facility with a mental-health program.
*Nolle prosequi* means prosecutors could try to refile — we’re monitoring and pursuing accountability.
What changed
- Felony dropped: The bogus, retaliatory charge was dismissed.
- Safer placement: Austin was moved away from abusers and can access mental-health programming.
From the family
“Thank you to all of you. I greatly appreciate everything you are doing. You probably saved my life.” — Austin
“I can sleep tonight without nightmares… I was able to talk to Austin and he sounds amazing, just like my momma’s boy.” — April
Channel your power — ongoing campaigns
Help us spread the win
Public pressure works. Share on social:
Evidence & timeline
- June 16–17, 2023 — Austin starved on “ghost trays,” denied medication, and beaten while shackled at Wallens Ridge. In desperation, he set his own leg on fire to protest racist abuse.
- January 2024 — Rather than investigating staff, the Commonwealth charged him with felony “destruction of property with an explosive device.”
- 2023–2024 — Ongoing solitary, retaliation, fabricated charges, and medical neglect documented by his family and supporters.
- June 7, 2025 — Beaten while fully restrained; nose broken. Body-cam and hallway video existed, but DOC later claimed “no records.”
- July 2025 — Austin’s mother April attempted to file felony charges against the guards; magistrate said State Police authorization was required. VSP refused, citing an inapplicable “policy.”
- July 24, 2025 — Austin reported a new possible arm fracture and hallucinations after taking prison-issued meds, raising suspicion of drug tampering. DOC refused to confirm the incident date or provide outside care.
- Summer 2025 — UPROAR filed an emergency injunction lawsuit seeking immediate protection and medical care. The court dismissed the injunction, but we escalated with calls, letters, and organizing to pack the courts on Sept 17.
- August 26, 2025 — Judge dismissed the felony charge nolle prosequi, ending the case (for now — prosecutors could refile).
- September 3, 2025 — Austin was moved out of Wallens Ridge into River North, where he can finally access a mental-health program.
This timeline shows both the abuse Austin endured and the pressure that forced the Commonwealth to back down. The struggle is not over — but this victory proves collective action works.