MARTINSVILLE, Va. (rbs news now) — Martinsville Commonwealth’s Attorney Patrick Flinn is formally asking Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones to serve as special prosecutor in matters tied to Martinsville Mayor LC Jones, current and former city leadership, and the pending removal case against the mayor.

In a Friday news release, Flinn said he is also requesting that Gov. Abigail Spanberger ask the attorney general to consent to the appointment and to direct the Virginia State Police to investigate the issues.

Flinn said Bedford County Commonwealth’s Attorney Wes Nance had previously been appointed special prosecutor in the criminal investigation, but Nance has since been appointed to the bench and has asked the court to allow him to withdraw from the case.

Flinn said it is his understanding that the State Police are investigating that matter for Nance and that the investigation has not yet been completed.

Flinn said he has continued concerns about a conflict of interest in the mayor’s removal case and said he believes an objective third party should handle both the criminal and civil matters moving forward.

He said the allegations raised in the petition are tied to possible criminal wrongdoing and argued that “it makes sense that one party handle both the criminal and civil cases.”

The request comes as a June 2026 trial has been scheduled to determine the political future of Martinsville Mayor LC Jones.

A judge has also ordered Jones’ suspension from office to remain in place until the case is resolved.

Jones was suspended after Flinn announced that a citizen-led petition seeking his removal could move forward.

The petition alleges Jones received gifts, help searching for jobs and legal advice from former Martinsville City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides.

The broader controversy stems from the city council’s August 2025 firing of Ferrell-Benavides.

Council cited malfeasance and dishonesty, violations of city charter and city policy, unsatisfactory performance, and other conduct they said could undermine public confidence or the integrity of city government.

Among the allegations previously cited was that Ferrell-Benavides purchased a hot tub intended for Jones’ girlfriend.

Flinn has also said the alleged actions may have harmed city operations, including leaving council to make decisions without legal counsel.

Jones has denied wrongdoing and challenged his suspension in court.

In court filings, he has argued there was “no conflict of interest” and is asking the court to declare the law used in the removal process was applied unconstitutionally and to lift his suspension.

Flinn noted in Friday’s release that Jones has filed multiple pretrial motions in the civil case and has certified that copies were sent to the attorney general.

Flinn also said Jones has publicly called for an outside agency to review current city matters.

Flinn wrote that, in his discussions with Martinsville residents, he has found a consensus that the public wants an objective third party to step in and investigate the issues.

He also said his first action in reviewing the removal petition was to ask the court to let him withdraw so that a special prosecutor could be appointed, but that request was denied.

For now, former Martinsville Mayor M. Gene Teague is serving in Jones’ place until the June hearing.

Copyright 2026 by Romero Broadcasting System, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.