Martinsville City Manager Resignation Fallout | Roanoke News

Former city manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides was ousted in August 2025 after a damning investigation revealed a chaotic administration riddled with allegations of dishonesty, financial missteps, and retaliation. Key issues included nearly losing $4.4 million in pandemic relief funds due to late filings—saved only by intervention from Congressman Morgan Griffith’s office—and questionable hiring, unapproved budget changes, and missing receipts. The new city manager, Rob Fincher, described a hostile environment where his own job was under constant threat. This scandal underscores the critical need for ethical leadership and accountability when handling millions in public money. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/3e281ef385d420f7