RICHMOND, Va. -- Richmond Chief Administrative Officer Byron Marshallis no longer employed by the city of Richmond, multiple sources confirmed to CBS 6 reporters Sandra Jones and Joe St. George Sunday evening. Those sources indicated Marshall's last day on the job was Friday. Those sources also indicated Marshall resigned from his position.
Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones issued a formal statement on Marshall's resignation on Monday morning.
"Mr. Marshall has served in the position of CAO longer than most would have had an opportunity to do so, as a result of my being elected to a second term," Mayor Jones wrote in a statement. "We are grateful to have had his service for more than five years, and we wish him well in his future endeavors. The city has benefited in many ways during his tenure."
Deputy chief administrative officer for operations Christopher Beschler will serve as interim CAO, the mayor said.
"Along with Chris, we have a capable team in place – many of whom have been with me since the beginning – and we are anticipating moving forward without interruption," the mayor's statement continued.
The mayor's statement made no indication as to why Marshall resigned from the job.
In May, Marshall was embroiled in a scandal involving the sudden departure of his chief deputy, Sharon Judkins. Marshall had initially signed off on a severance package that would have given Judkins, a friend of Marshall's from previous employment, some ten extra months of credit towards her pension, potentially providing her with some $400,000 in extra retirement benefits.
A city audit found that deal inappropriate and Marshall acknowledged he had made an error.
In 2013, CBS 6 reported Marshall was the highest paid government official in the City of Richmond. He was paid a $178,000 salary, according to city records. That is more than Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones’ $125,000 salary.
This is a developing story.
