Dekalb County deputy arrested for inappropriate sexual conduct with minors

Joshua Dane Wells / Dekalb County Sheriffs Office

FORT PAYNE, Al. (WDEF) —  A Fort Payne man was arrested and charged for inappropriate sexual conduct with minors.

The Dekalb County Sheriff Office received a tip from a concerned parent regarding part-time deputy Joshua Dane Wells.

Wells was a part-time deputy for the sheriff’s office, attending the Alabama Law Enforcement Police Academy to eventually become a law enforcement officer.

The sheriffs office immediately began investigating, and after conducting several interviews, they determined that Wells violated the sheriffs office policy and was in turn terminated.

A warrant was issued for Wells, and he was arrested on July 17, 2024.

Wells currently sits in the Cherokee County Jail.

“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!  God Bless!” said Dekalb County Sheriff, Nick Weldon.