Pierre Man Charged With Failure To Register As A Sex Offender

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Adrian Wells, age 37, of Pierre, South Dakota appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on June 25, 2013 and pled guilty to Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both; life of supervised release; and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

On December 6, 1995, Wells was convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse. The Court sentenced Wells to 63 months in custody and five years of supervised release and also ordered that he register as a sex offender.

On May 19, 2009, Wells signed a lease for an apartment but failed to register the new apartment as his residence. Instead, Wells continued to use his previous address, even though he did not reside there. Wells registered the previous address with law enforcement on five occasions.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie H. Ruettgers.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for September 11, 2013. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.