Glen Dale dentist, Dr. Charles Wylie, asked the court to exclude certain testimonies from the case before it possibly goes to trial.

In February, one of Wylie’s employees told West Virginia State Police the doctor got angry about her job performance and twisted her hand and grabbed her shoulder.

Wylie was charged with two counts of battery. He previously pleaded not guilty to both charges.

At Thursday’s hearing, Magistrate William Anderson closed the courtroom to the public after a short time.

"It's for the protection of everyone involved, and it's just a necessary procedure. It's not about keeping secrets. It's part of the process of only allowing evidence that's appropriate to come into the courtroom,” said assistant prosecutor Richard Wilson, who was in the courtroom at the time.

Wilson said keeping the hearing closed to the public will prevent a tainted jury pool and ensure that only fair evidence will be admitted in court.

Wylie is scheduled for another hearing in October. Wilson said the judge will hear testimony that day, but it will again be closed to the public.

--Jasmine Lo, NEWS9