27-Year-Old Pearl Man Sentenced to 45 Years for Statutory Rape and Gratification of Lust of a Child

Rankin County – Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Dejuan Shaikel Wells, 27, of Pearl, pled guilty to Statutory Rape and Gratification of Lust of a child. The Honorable Judge Dewey Arthur sentenced Wells to thirty (30) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections for Statutory Rape and fifteen (15) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections for Gratification of Lust of a Child. These sentences will run concurrently. Wells will serve his sentence without the possibility of early release or parole. Upon his release, Wells must register as a sex offender. 

On June 2, 2023, the child’s mother discovered the abuse and immediately reported it to the Pearl Police Department. The Pearl Police Department sprang into action and conducted an in-depth investigation, which included a forensic interview of the child by the Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center. This forensic interview process 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,” stated District Attorney Bubba Bramlett. “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,” stated District Attorney Bubba Bramlett. 

Defendant:

Name: WELLS, DAJUAN SHAIKEL

Date of Birth: 12/20/1997

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