New Special Prosecutor Appointed to Martinsville Mayor L.C. Jones Case

Lynchburg Commonwealth's Attorney Bethany Hairston to take over criminal and civil cases against suspended mayor.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:46pm

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A new special prosecutor has been appointed to handle both the criminal investigation and pending civil removal petition against suspended Martinsville Mayor L.C. Jones. Lynchburg Commonwealth's Attorney Bethany Hairston has agreed to take over the cases after Martinsville Commonwealth's Attorney Patrick Flinn filed a motion to withdraw.

Why it matters

The appointment of a new special prosecutor signals an escalation in the legal proceedings against Mayor Jones, who has been accused of conflicts of interest and receiving impermissible benefits from the former city manager. The case has led to the mayor's suspension and the appointment of a temporary replacement on the city council.

The details

Mayor Jones is currently suspended due to reported conflicts of interest with former City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides, who was fired back in August. Mayor Jones has been accused of receiving impermissible benefits from Ferrell-Benavides. His trial is scheduled to begin on June 5. Former Mayor Michael Gene Teague has been appointed to serve in the vacant city council seat until the trial is completed.

  • The news comes after Martinsville Commonwealth's Attorney Patrick Flinn filed a motion to withdraw as the Special Prosecutor in both cases.
  • Bedford Commonwealth's Attorney Wes Nance was previously appointed, but withdrew to serve as a circuit court judge.
  • Mayor Jones' trial is scheduled to begin on June 5.

The players

L.C. Jones

The suspended mayor of Martinsville who is facing criminal investigation and a civil removal petition.

Bethany Hairston

The Lynchburg Commonwealth's Attorney who has agreed to serve as the new special prosecutor in the cases against Mayor Jones.

Patrick Flinn

The Martinsville Commonwealth's Attorney who filed a motion to withdraw as the special prosecutor in the cases against Mayor Jones.

Wes Nance

The Bedford Commonwealth's Attorney who was previously appointed as special prosecutor but withdrew to serve as a circuit court judge.

Michael Gene Teague

The former mayor of Martinsville who has been appointed to serve in the vacant city council seat until Mayor Jones' trial is completed.

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What’s next

Mayor Jones' trial is scheduled to begin on June 5.

The takeaway

The case against Martinsville Mayor L.C. Jones has taken a significant turn with the appointment of a new special prosecutor to handle both the criminal investigation and civil removal petition. This development underscores the seriousness of the allegations against the mayor and the city's efforts to address the reported conflicts of interest and improper benefits.