At this hour, detectives from the Palo Alto Police Department are in the process of arresting Stanley Vernard Wells, a 44-year-old resident of Redwood City, in connection with the sexual assault and burglary that occurred in the 700 block of Alester Avenue on November 5, 2004.

While Wells is being formally charged and arrested today, he has been in custody since Wednesday, November 10, 2004. With preliminary information from the investigation and evidence from the crime scene linking Wells to the crime, detectives sought his arrest on Wednesday for a violation of his parole. As detectives and sheriff's deputies from San Mateo County contacted Wells, he fled on foot. After a short yard-to-yard search and brief struggle, Wells was taken into custody in an unincorporated area of Redwood City on the parole hold.

With Wells safely in custody and unable to commit additional crimes, detectives were able to complete further investigation and allow the Crime Lab to confirm the evidence linking Wells to this crime. Earlier today, detectives from the Palo Alto Police Department met with the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office to review the investigation and evidence obtained from the crime scene.

As a result of that meeting, The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office has filed the following charges against Stanley Varnard Wells; Sodomy in the course of a Residential Burglary, and Unlawful Sexual Penetration. In addition to these new charges, Wells is being held on a Parole Violation. Well's is currently being held without bail. The current charges have been filed with enhancements under the "Three Strikes Law". Wells has six prior "serious or violent" felony convictions, which qualify as strikes under the California Three Strikes Law. If convicted under the three strikes law, Wells could receive a sentence of 100 years to life.

While countless law enforcement agencies assisted with this investigation, The Palo Alto Police Department would like to thank the following agencies that provided significant resources and support to the intense investigation. The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office, The Santa Clara County Crime Lab, the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, The Santa Clara County Sexual Assault and Felony Enforcement Team (SAFE), The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, and the Redwood City Office of State Parole.

Stanley Wells will be arraigned in Santa Clara County Superior Court on Wednesday November 17, 2004 at 1:30 p.m. at the North County Court in Palo Alto.

In an effort to maintain the integrity of the investigation and ultimate prosecution, no further comments will be made regarding the evidence or investigation. All further media inquires regarding this case will be handled by the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office. Deputy District Attorney Rob Baker (408) 792-2873.

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