Case of man accused of spying on foreign exchange student now headed to grand jury

CABELL COUNTY, W.Va. (WCHS) — The case of a man accused of spying on a foreign exchange student living in his home will go to a grand jury in Cabell County after he waived his preliminary hearing.

Darrel Wells, 55, of Barboursvillewaived his preliminary hearing on Wednesday.

Wells is charged with child porn and 10 counts of criminal invasion of privacy.

West Virginia State Police said Wells allegedly was in possession of more than 600 child pornography images.

According to a lawsuit filed in August, Wells secretly recorded the student in her bedroom and bathroom for nine months.

A 17-year-old girl came to Cabell County from Brazil to live with Wells and his family in Barboursville, the lawsuit said.

Attorneys who represent the victim told Eyewitness News the girl wanted to learn English and have the full American experience.

Wells, who was also employed by Cabell County Schools, was placed on administrative leave on April 6, the school district said.