A continuance approved in a lawsuit filed by former Roanoke Rapids police Chief Bobby Martin has moved the mediation deadline to May 30, according to court documents.

The request for continuance filed by counsel for the defendants — the city of Roanoke Rapids and City Manager Kelly Traynham in her individual and official capacities — says additional time is required to evaluate the matter due to the volume and complexity of this case.

The motion was filed last month, and the document notes that all parties consent to the relief being sought. It also notes that the parties are currently in the process of scheduling a May mediation based on counsel’s availability and that it would not cause a trial in the matter to be delayed.

Martin claims in the lawsuit, which was filed in June 2024, that his termination by Traynham was malicious and corrupt and that it was motivated by a personal desire to protect a department head, protect her advantageous political connections with the department head and other local politicians, and to retaliate against him for following legitimate and valid actions.

Named as defendants in the lawsuit, which was filed in Halifax County Superior Court, are the city; Traynham in her individual and official capacities; Richardson and Davis Investigative Consulting Group; and Richardson, Davis and Forest Investigative Consulting Group.

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

The defendants in the lawsuit have denied the allegations.