Commonwealth rests on day three following testimony from a public safety consultant, an outside investigator, and town staff; trial set to resume Thursday morning.

PURCELLVILLE, VA. The recall trial of Purcellville Vice Mayor Carl “Ben” Nett continued into its third day on Wednesday, with the Commonwealth resting its case and the defense beginning to present evidence after the judge denied a motion to strike.

Among the witnesses called by the Commonwealth on Wednesday was Mike Jones, a public safety consultant who testified that he had conducted an assessment of the Purcellville Police Department at the request of the town manager. Further details of the assessment were not disclosed in open court.

Lieutenant David Camp also took the stand, and two audio recordings of conversations between Camp and Nett were entered into evidence during his testimony.

Lieutenant Jessica Tacha of Prince William County testified regarding her role as the investigator assigned to an internal investigation of Nett conducted in spring 2025. Tacha told the court she found the investigation warranted and sustained the findings.

Erica Stought also took the stand, the majority of her planned testimony was not admitted into evidence after the defense raised objections that were sustained by the court.

Several members of Purcellville town staff also testified on Wednesday, largely to clarify town policies and procedures and to describe their roles in actions taken during 2025. Their testimony was described as largely corroborative of evidence presented earlier in the proceedings. Staff members who took the stand included procurement specialist Megan Roberts, LaDonna SnellBaker, and Diana Hays.

After Olsen’s testimony concluded and the Commonwealth rested its case, the defense moved to strike, arguing that the evidence presented did not meet the clear and convincing standard required on any of the counts. The judge denied the motion, ruling there was sufficient evidence on all counts for the jury to consider, and the case moved forward.

The defense then began presenting its case, calling John Cafferky as its first witness. Cafferty testified for approximately 20 minutes before the court adjourned at 5 p.m.

Before adjournment, the court also discussed juror availability in the event that the trial extends into Friday.

Day four of the recall trial is scheduled to resume Thursday at 10 a.m.