The investigation focuses on whether there was any criminal misconduct by current or former Martinsville city officials. This follows the dismissal of City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides in August.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Andy Hall said he made the request to avoid any potential conflicts of interest. The appointment follows the firing of City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides last month.

Less than a week after firing the controversial former City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides, the Martinsville City Council voted 3-2 in favor of naming Chief of Police Robert Fincher as Interim City Manager.

In a statement to 10 News, she called the termination “unjustified and retaliatory in nature.”

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