CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — Jefferson County Commissioner Eric Bell has hired a defense attorney following allegations of inappropriate interactions with a 16-year-old boy.
Bell, 37, of Charles Town, was charged with sexual abuse by a person of trust, possession of child pornography and displaying obscene material to a minor. He has hired attorney Matt Harvey to represent him.
Bell was considering his options, Harvey told MetroNews affiliate WEPM Radio in Martinsburg on Tuesday.
“He was only able to come into my office (Monday),” Harvey said. “We haven’t limited ourselves on anything.”
While Harvey and Bell are crafting an official statement, the attorney advised his client not to attend the Jefferson County Commission meeting on Thursday.
“I can’t imagine his presence at that meeting would benefit Jefferson County,” he said. “Probably have more people showing up to needle him.”
Bell was released on his own recognizance after a magistrate set bond at $45,000.
Police allege nude pictures and videos were exchanged between Bell and the boy. Bell was asked by the teenager’s parents to mentor him after the boy recently announced he was gay.
The Jefferson County Commission has taken no action in connection with the case.
“We’re aware of an investigation of Mr. Bell, and we intend to fully cooperate with any law enforcement agencies in the investigation,” county commission attorney Nathan Cochran told MetroNews Monday afternoon.
Cochran said it was unlikely that more would be known on Bell’s status with the commission before it meets again.
“The commission itself speaks as a body, and the time that speaks is during county commission meetings,” he said. “The next meeting is next Thursday. I don’t foresee much happening as far as the commission goes before then.”
The case has been transferred to Berkeley County apparently to avoid conflicts of interest in Jefferson County.
Bell was elected to a six-year term on the county commission in 2014.