Trespassing charges dismissed for NC Senate candidate and former WOFF members

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein has dismissed trespassing charges filed against North Carolina Senate District 47 candidate David Wheeler, former sheriff's candidate Wayne Guffey and former Word of Faith Fellowship member John Huddle. According to Rutherford County Court, the charges were dismissed after the Attorney General's Office found no criminal misconduct on the part of Wheeler, Guffey and Huddle.

Wheeler, a Democrat, said he was invited by Jane Whaley, the leader of the Word of Faith Fellowship, to visit the church in Spindale, North Carolina, in August. The church has been accused of beating congregants to expel demons. Wheeler told The Associated Press that Whaley and other members invited him so he could see for himself that it is an open and loving church.

"Wayne Guffey, John Huddle and I welcome the filing by the Attorney General’s Office that the false charges brought by the Word of Faith Fellowship and Senator Hise are without merit and have been dismissed today. Despite desperate intimidation attempts by Word of Faith Fellowship and Senator Ralph Hise, we are proud of our efforts. Don't forget we were invited on three separate times. We will continue to stand with other Word of Faith victims against such harassment and hold WOFF accountable," Wheeler said in a statement Wednesday.

News 13 has also reached out to Word of Faith Fellowship for reaction to the Attorney General's filing.