Cheyenne Judge Refuses Sentencing Delay

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A federal judge won't delay sentencing for a Wyoming man convicted of sex crimes against a child in order to allow the man to qualify for a military pension.

Judge Alan B. Johnson of Cheyenne on Friday rejected the request from Wyoming Army National Guard Lt. Timothy Wells of Cheyenne.

Wells was convicted in October of sexual exploitation of a child and other charges. He faces at least 15 years in prison at sentencing this month.

Assistant Federal Public Defender Jim Barrett recently asked Johnson to release Wells from custody temporarily and reschedule his sentencing for April. Barrett said the delay was necessary so Wells could finish 20 years of military service necessary for a pension to provide for his family while incarcerated.

Barrett declined comment on Friday.