Martinsville Mayor Faces Removal Petition Over Conflict of Interest Allegations

A petition to remove Martinsville, Virginia, Mayor L.C. Jones from office is proceeding after the city’s Commonwealth’s Attorney determined sufficient evidence exists to support the effort, according to reports from WSET.

The petition stems from a review that uncovered multiple alleged conflicts of interest involving former City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides. The review reportedly detailed instances of gifts and airfare provided to Ferrell-Benavides, as well as efforts to assist Mayor Jones in his job search, according to WSET. The allegations further claim that Jones failed to disclose these benefits and did not recuse himself from City Council discussions pertaining to Ferrell-Benavides.

The Commonwealth’s Attorney has indicated that these actions may have negatively impacted city operations, potentially leading to council decisions being made without the benefit of legal counsel, WSET reported. If the petition moves forward, several city leaders and staff members could be compelled to testify under subpoena.

The Martinsville City Council convened in a closed session Tuesday evening to discuss the matter. The agenda for the session included “consultation with legal counsel” regarding Virginia’s State and Local Government Conflicts of Interests Act and Attorney-Client Privilege, according to reporting from Cardinal News. After two hours, the council announced it had taken no action and adjourned the meeting.

The developments follow the recent termination of Ferrell-Benavides as city manager, a decision made following a closed session of the City Council, as reported by Cardinal News. The reason given for her dismissal was “for cause.”

Residents of Martinsville have reacted to the unfolding drama, with WDBJ7 reporting on local responses to the allegations and council actions. A petition to recall Mayor Jones was initiated amid the audit scandal, as reported by WRIC ABC 8News.