PURCELLVILLE, Va. (April 24, 2026) — The recall trial of Purcellville Vice Mayor Carl “Ben” Nett went to the jury Friday afternoon following closing arguments in Loudoun County Circuit Court, but the seven-member panel did not begin deliberations before adjourning for the weekend.
Jurors are scheduled to reconvene Monday, April 27, at 9:30 a.m. to resume deliberations. A verdict is expected to be announced Monday.
The historic civil proceeding — the first jury trial in decades on a petition to remove a sitting elected official in Virginia — is being presided over by visiting Fairfax County Circuit Court Judge Randy I. Bellows.
Over five days of testimony that began April 20, Special Prosecutor Eric Olsen presented more than 50 exhibits and testimony from over a dozen witnesses, alleging Nett violated state conflict-of-interest law, the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, town procurement and hiring procedures, and engaged in retaliation against the Purcellville Police Department after his April 2025 termination as a town police officer.
Defense attorney Jennifer McGovern called witnesses Thursday and Friday, including Nett himself, former Town Attorney John Cafferty, state ethics official Stuart Petro, Councilmember Susan Khalil, and Mayor Christopher Bertaut. The defense has maintained that Nett’s votes were taken in compliance with advice from town counsel and the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council. McGovern emphasized the allegations do not rise to the level required for removal under state law.
To order Nett’s removal, the jury must find by clear and convincing evidence that statutory grounds — neglect of duty, misuse of office, or incompetence in the performance of duties — have been met and have had a material adverse effect on the conduct of the office. If the jury finds insufficient grounds, the petition will be denied.
Regardless of the jury’s verdict, Nett is already suspended from his Town Council seat under emergency state legislation signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger that took effect Wednesday. The measure suspends him from council duties pending the resolution of his pending criminal cases, which are scheduled for October and December.
Purcellville News will publish the verdict and full coverage as soon as it is delivered Monday.
