A new special prosecutor has been appointed to the case of suspended Martinsville Mayor L.C. Jones. Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney Bethany Hairston has agreed to serve as special prosecutor for both the criminal investigation and pending civil removal petition against Jones.

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 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.