The Martinsville-Henry County NAACP is threatening legal action against the city of Martinsville over complaints that homes in an affordable housing development are deteriorating just a few years after construction.

Newly released details from a forensic audit of Martinsville’s finances shed light on spending practices under former City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides, including $100,000 transfer from the city’s Economic Development Authority’s budget to the city manager’s salary budget. Multiple city officials tell 10 News this was used for Ferrell-Benavides’ salary increase and travel expenses.

A judge has ordered that Martinsville Mayor L.C. Jones be reinstated to the city council.

Tensions escalated in Martinsville’s city government as Mayor L.C. Jones seeks an emergency protective order against City Councilman Aaron Rawls, following a confrontation at last week’s city council meeting.

Police had to intervene between a Martinsville city councilman Julian Mei and Mayor L.C. Jones Thursday night as tensions erupted during a heated debate over releasing findings from an investigation into the former city manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides.

Controversy continues to mount over the firing of former Martinsville City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides, with council members and legal representatives challenging the decision’s legitimacy.

The fallout from the firing of Martinsville City Manager Aretha Ferrell Benevides continues to deepen, as City Council members clash over whether to release investigation documents to the public.

Martinsville City Council voted to remove controversial City manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides. Ferrell-Benavides had served on the post since 2023.

The Mayor of Martinsville responded Thursday after a City Councilman was removed from a meeting last week.

A Martinsville city councilman spoke out on Thursday afternoon after being removed from a Tuesday night council meeting.