West Chazy man accused of sexually abusing boy

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October 14, 2009

By ANDREA VanVALKENBURG The Press Republican Wed Oct 14, 2009, 07:26 PM EDT

WEST CHAZY — State Police believe a local man repeatedly engaged in sexual acts with an underage teenage boy.

John E. Wells was arrested Tuesday afternoon on sex charges relating to the alleged abuse and is now being held at Clinton County Jail on $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond.

Authorities say the 58-year-old sexually abused the boy, who is now 16, on several occasions during the last two years.

The West Chazy resident was charged with the felony offenses of first-degree sexual abuse and sexual conduct against a child.

He was also charged with a single misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of a child.

The investigation into the alleged abuse was continuing Wednesday.

Wells remained behind bars unable to post bail or bond.

E-mail Andrea VanValkenburg at:

avanvalkenburg@pressrepublican.com