Fired sheriff’s deputy accused of inappropriate sexual conduct with minors, arrested

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — A part-time sheriff’s deputy was fired and arrested after being accused of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with children.

According to DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden, investigators received multiple complaints regarding 40-year-old Joshua Dane Wells, of Fort Payne.

Wells was a part-time sheriff deputy and was in the Alabama Law Enforcement Police Academy attempting to complete his certification to become a law enforcement officer.

After further investigations and interviews, Wells was fired from the Sheriff’s Office for violating policies and procedures.

Welden tells News 19 that Investigators then contacted the 9th Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, ALEA, and the FBI for assistance with this case.

A warrant for the arrest of Wells was then issued pertaining to inappropriate sexual conduct with children.

Wells was arrested and booked into the Cherokee County Jail on Wednesday, July 17 due to his employment with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.

“This past week has been a hard week for our office and our community. This event is a black eye to our office and also the entire law enforcement community. Law enforcement officers are expected to be held to the highest standard and when mischief is alleged, it is not taken lightly. This type of behavior cannot and will not be tolerated! The last investigation that we want to conduct is an investigation into one of our own, however right is right and wrong is wrong no matter who you are! The investigation is still ongoing and additional charges could be pending. Please be in prayer for all involved in this case and for our office as we move forward with serving you!”

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden

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