Cromwell man faces seven counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor

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Wade Michael Sell, 44, of Cromwell made his first appearance in Carlton County Court on Wednesday after being charged with seven counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor.

Public defender David Keegan requested that a non-contested omnibus hearing be set for Sell, who indicated he will retain private counsel before that time. Assistant Carlton County Attorney Nichole Carter requested the court establish a no contact order with the victim, and Judge Dale Wolf concurred.

Sell is set for his next court appearance at 9 a.m. Nov. 7.

According to the criminal complaint filed in the case, the Carlton County Sheriff’s Department received a report of a possible sexual assault having occurred in the county. Investigator Dan Danielson learned that the alleged victim had disclosed having been sexually abused by Sell multiple times over a three- to four-year period, beginning in 2007 when the victim was approximately 10 years old.

The sexual contact allegedly began with Sell brushing up against the victim “in a sexual fashion” and eventually evolved into a situation where Sell allegedly engaged in fondling after ordering the victim to go shirtless. The complaint also stated that Sell would occasionally walk around nude while at home and on a couple of occasions he reportedly placed his hands on the victim’s underwear. The victim stated there was no penetration, however.

At the time the victim was approximately 12 years old, the complaint stated Sell allegedly attempted to force the victim to perform oral sex.

Sell now faces three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person under the age of 13 and two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim under the age of 13, and two counts of criminal sexual conduct with a victim under the age of 16. All are considered felonies.

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