Lake Andes Man Guilty of Abusing Disabled Adult

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - A jury has found a Lake Andes man guilty of abusing a disabled adult but not guilty of a charge of sexual contact.

Attorney General Marty Jackley and Charles Mix County Attorney Pam Hein announced Thursday that 28-year-old Kelly Joe Wells was found guilty of the felony charge of abusing a disabled adult on Wednesday. He was found not guilty of sexual contact with a person incapable of consenting.

The conviction stems from an incident at a Charles Mix County nursing home in which Wells abused an elderly resident.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $4,000 fine.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Material may not be redistributed.