NEW CUMBERLAND — The case against a former Hancock County deputy is headed for the 1st Judicial Circuit Court.

Patrick J. Hoder, 56, waived his preliminary hearing via email Thursday, minutes before proceedings were scheduled to begin in Hancock County Magistrate Court, according to a court employee.

The case was set to go before Brooke County Magistrate Robert Catlett, with Gail Kahle, an assistant prosecuting attorney from Ohio County, also assigned. Officials from Hancock County previously had recused themselves from the case because of Hoder’s previous role as a Hancock County sheriff’s deputy.

Hoder was arrested by West Virginia State Police in August, and charged with a single count of felony distribution or exhibition material of sexually explicit conduct involving minors (600+ images).

Previous reports indicate State Police had informed Hancock County Sheriff Scott Gittings of their investigation, with Gittings placing Hoder on administrative leave. His employment was terminated once the charges were filed.

Hoder, who had served as a long-time K-9 handler with the department, as well as overseeing the department’s community outreach programs, faces the possibility of 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine if convicted.

Hoder’s bond of $50,000 will be transferred to Circuit Court, according to online Magistrate Court records.

Thursday’s hearing was set to be the first time before Catlett. The case previously had been assigned to Brooke County Magistrate Shannon Price, who recently resigned her position to pursue other interests.