Piere Bell

A Meridian man charged in connection with the rape of a minor waived his preliminary hearing on Thursday.

Piere Bell, 24, is charged with one count of rape in the July 8 incident involving a boy under age 15. At his first court appearance on Thursday, his bond was reduced from $250,000 to $175,000.

Meridian Police spokesman Sgt. Dareall Thompson said the alleged rape occurred at the victim’s residence.

“He knew the family and would occasionally come over there and interact with the 14 year old,” Thompson said.

Bell was arrested on July 17 after a warrant for his arrest was issued on July 11. Thompson said the case warranted further investigation, which caused the delay.