A Bellmont man facing 15 felony child pornography charges was back in Wabash County Circuit Court Monday.
Twenty-eight-year-old Gage Hoffman appeared in custody with his attorney for a scheduled court hearing.
According to the court entry, Hoffman's previously scheduled bench or jury trial was vacated. The case is now set for another pre-trial conference on September 28th at 1 p.m.
Hoffman will remain in custody as the case continues. The court found his continued detention necessary, ruling that his release would present what the court described as a "real, specific, and present threat to the community" and that no conditions or combination of conditions would prevent that threat.
Hoffman remains lodged in the Wabash County Jail.
The case has expanded significantly since charges were initially filed in May.
Wabash County State's Attorney Kelli Storckman later filed eight additional Class 2 felony child pornography charges, bringing the total number of counts against Hoffman to 15.
Hoffman was originally charged May 4th with seven Class X felonies involving alleged child sexual abuse material. Court records allege several of the offenses occurred between July of 2024 and March of 2025. Five of the original charges involve alleged victims under the age of 13, while two involve alleged victims under the age of 18.
The charges followed an investigation that included the execution of a search warrant at a Bellmont residence on April 29th. Investigators reportedly recovered electronic evidence connected to the alleged possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse material.
Hoffman's next court appearance is scheduled for September 28th.
