A Pearl man will spend 30 years in prison for sex crimes against a minor.
Dejuan Shaikel Wells, 27, pled guilty to statutory rape and gratification of lust of a child. This comes after the victim’s mother discovered the sexual abuse and reported it to law enforcement back in June 2023.
An investigation by the Pearl Police Department promptly ensued, including a forensic interview of the child by the Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center. This forensic interview process, per officials, allows trained specialists to gather information from child victims in a manner that minimizes additional trauma. During the interview, the child disclosed details of the abuse.
“Our office will continue to fight to bring all child predators to justice,” District Attorney Bubba Bramlett said. “Because of the brave reporting of the victim and family, as well as the extensive work of the Pearl Police Department and Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center, this child predator is behind bars where he belongs.”
Wells will serve his sentence without the possibility of early release or parole. Upon his release, Wells must register as a sex offender.
