Martinsville Commonwealth's Attorney Seeks AG's Involvement in City Council Probe

Patrick Flinn requests Attorney General Jay Jones be appointed Special Prosecutor for criminal and civil cases involving the Martinsville City Council and administration.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:48pm

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Martinsville Commonwealth's Attorney Patrick Flinn is asking Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones to be appointed as a Special Prosecutor to handle both the criminal and civil cases related to the Martinsville City Council and administration. Flinn cites a desire for an objective third party to investigate the allegations, which are tied to possible criminal wrongdoing. The request comes as a judge has ordered the suspension of Martinsville Mayor LC Jones pending the resolution of a recall petition.

Why it matters

This request highlights ongoing turmoil within the Martinsville city government, with allegations of misconduct and a push for an independent investigation. The involvement of the state Attorney General could lend more credibility and resources to the probe, but also raises questions about the scope of the state's authority to intervene in local political matters.

The details

Martinsville Commonwealth's Attorney Patrick Flinn is asking Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones to be appointed as a Special Prosecutor to handle both the criminal and civil cases related to the Martinsville City Council and administration. Flinn cites a desire for an objective third party to investigate the allegations, which are tied to possible criminal wrongdoing. The request comes as a judge has ordered the suspension of Martinsville Mayor LC Jones pending the resolution of a recall petition. The petition alleges that Mayor Jones received gifts, job assistance, and legal advice from the now-fired City Manager, Aretha Ferrell Benavides.

  • A trial has been set for June 2026 to decide the political future of Martinsville Mayor LC Jones.
  • The judge has ordered Mayor Jones's suspension to last until the case is resolved.

The players

Patrick Flinn

The Commonwealth's Attorney for the City of Martinsville who is requesting the Attorney General's involvement.

Jay Jones

The Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Virginia whom Flinn is asking to be appointed as a Special Prosecutor.

LC Jones

The Martinsville Mayor who has been suspended pending the resolution of a recall petition against him.

Aretha Ferrell Benavides

The former Martinsville City Manager who is alleged to have provided gifts, job assistance, and legal advice to Mayor LC Jones.

Wes Nance

The former Commonwealth's Attorney for Bedford County who was previously appointed as a special prosecutor for the criminal investigation, but has since been appointed to the Circuit Court and motioned to withdraw from the case.

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What they’re saying

“I am formally requesting that Jay Jones, Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Virginia, consent, to being appointed Special Prosecutor for both the Criminal and Civil cases regarding the former and current City Council for the City of Martinsville, current and former City Administration, the pending removal petition for LC. Jones, and appropriately task the Virginia State Police to investigate these issues.”

— Patrick Flinn, Commonwealth's Attorney for the City of Martinsville

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to grant Flinn's request and appoint the Attorney General as a Special Prosecutor.

The takeaway

This request highlights the ongoing political turmoil in Martinsville and the desire for an independent, state-level investigation into allegations of misconduct within the city government. The involvement of the Attorney General could lend more credibility to the probe, but also raises questions about the appropriate scope of state oversight in local affairs.