Former Alabama Deputy Joshua Wells Pleaded Guilty to a Child Sex Crime. He Got 12 Years in Prison.

 

Former Alabama Deputy Joshua Wells Sexually Abused Teenage Boys. He Got 12 Years.

Joshua Dane Wells was a part-time reserve deputy with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama.

Investigators said Wells targeted two teenage boys, ages 15 and 16, whom he met through a church camp where he worked security.

According to authorities, Wells developed relationships with the boys over several months and used his position of authority to gain access to them. In one instance, investigators said he even used his law enforcement authority to pull over one of the victims while off duty.

A grand jury eventually indicted Wells on 12 child sex offense charges, including first-degree sexual abuse, first-degree sodomy, and second-degree sodomy.

In November 2025, Wells reached a plea agreement. He pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree sodomy, and the remaining charges were dismissed.

His sentence was 12 years in state prison.

He must also register as a sex offender and is permanently prohibited from contacting the victims.

A badge should have represented safety.

Instead, investigators said he used that authority to gain access to children.