NEW CUMBERLAND — The case against a former Hancock County deputy is headed for Hancock County Circuit Court.

Patrick Hoder waived his preliminary hearing via email minutes before proceedings were supposed to happen Thursday, according to a court employee. Therefore, the hearing didn’t move forward.

A special magistrate and prosecutor were heading up to oversee the case from Brooke County as Hancock County magistrates and prosecutors had recused themselves due to Hoder’s previous interaction with the court as a law enforcement officer.

Last summer, Hoder was charged with a single count of felony distribution or exhibition material of sexually explicit conduct involving minors (600+ images).

Robert C. Catlett had been assigned to oversee Thursday’s hearing in place of fellow Brooke County Magistrate Shannon Price.

With Catlett’s acceptance of Hoder’s waiver, his $50,000 bond accompanies the case to Circuit Court.

West Virginia State Police had initiated the investigation, a month before arresting Hoder, who already was placed on administrative leave by Hancock County Sheriff Scott Gittings after he was told about the possible charges.

Hoder had been a longtime K-9 handler as well as oversaw some of the office’s community outreach programs.

If convicted, Hoder faces up to 10 years in prison and $25,000 in fines.