Counsel for two defendants in a complaint initiated by former Roanoke Rapids police Chief Bobby Martin have scheduled a deposition on August 6, according to eCourts records.

Martin, who is suing the city and several others for wrongful termination, is scheduled to appear in Raleigh at 9 a.m. at his attorney’s law office, according to the notice of deposition.

There the counsel for the defendants Richardson and Davis Investigative Consulting Group and Richardson Davis & Forest Investigative Group will take the deposition of the former chief.

The notice of deposition was sent to Martin and his attorney Phillip A. Collins.

The consulting group investigated allegations of policy violations which led to the firings of Martin and his second in command — Captain Jamie Hardy — in April of 2023.

The consulting group determined that Martin was negligent in his participation in an administrative investigation that played a part in his termination by the city manager.

The group determined the following:

He failed to accurately report statements and actions made by him in his employment as police chief

He failed to fully answer interview questions

He failed to provide additional information and witnesses with regard to the specific topics known to him that would be investigated

He failed to use reasonable care, and was careless and negligent in other respects to be proven at trial

At issue in the case is Martin’s contention that his termination by City Manager Kelly Traynham was malicious and corrupt. 

He says it was motivated by personal desire to protect a department head, protect her advantageous political connections with the department head and other local politicians to retaliate against  him for following legitimate and valid actions.

Named as defendants in the lawsuit, which was filed on June 28 of last year in Halifax County Superior Court are the city, Traynham in her individual and official capacities, and the consulting groups.