West Allis Runaway 14-year-old Leila Gutierrez Located Safe, Her Alleged Companion, A Wisconsin Sex Offender Joshua Wells, 33, In Custody

The West Allis Police Department confirmed that missing 14-year-old Gutierrez was located safe and 33-year-old Wells has been taken into custody in alleged connection with her missing/runaway report incident.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

February 24, 2024

West Allis, Wisconsin - On Saturday, the West Allis Police Department (WAPD) reported that runaway juvenile 14-year-old Leila Gutierrez who was last seen on February 10 at her residence has been located safe.

According to the Gutierrez's missing/runaway police report WAPD Case #24-006138, Gutierrez was believed to be accompanied by Joshua Scott Wells, 33, a convicted sex offender in Wisconsin. Wells had an open warrant for violating the sex offender registry restrictions (having contact with a minor under 16) and has been taken into custody in alleged connection with her missing/runaway report case.

Wells was placed in custody (hold) on February 23, 2024 at the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (WIDOC) Division of Community Corrections (DDC) Milwaukee Secure Detention.

On January 26, 2024, Wells pleaded guilty to one felony count for sex offender registry violation and one misdemeanor count for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison, but will be confined to 1 year and 6 months in prison with 1 year probation. Misdemeanor Count 2 will be served concurrently (same time) with felony count 1. Wells sentenced was stayed and was given 2 years probation and remained free under supervision.

In 2012, Wells was convicted after pleading guilty for 3rd-degree sexual assault and began as a registered sex offender in 2012 ending in 2030. He was sentenced to 6 years in prison (3 years in prison and 3 years on supervision), but his sentenced was stayed for 36 months with 45 days in the Milwaukee County House of Corrections and consecutive to any other sentence, according to court records.

Wells could be facing additional felony charges for allegedly having contact with a minor under 16.

No further details are available by the West Allis police.

Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA)

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