Man convicted of sexually assaulting 15-year-old girl in Upper Merion and Norristown

Ivory Wells faces decades in prison for attacks on intoxicated teen after meeting her at New Jersey pool party

Jan. 30, 2026 at 4:39pm

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A Philadelphia man has been convicted of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl at two locations in Upper Merion and Norristown after meeting her at a pool party in New Jersey. Ivory Wells, 35, was found guilty of charges including sexual assault, rape, and corruption of a minor for incidents that occurred in May 2024 when the intoxicated victim was assaulted in Wells' vehicle and later outside her Norristown home.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious issue of sexual predators targeting and taking advantage of minors, as well as the challenges of prosecuting such crimes when alcohol and drugs are involved. The conviction sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated, but also raises questions about how to better protect vulnerable young people in these situations.

The details

Authorities said Wells met the 15-year-old victim and her older sister at a pool party in New Jersey, then later gave them a ride home to Norristown. During the drive, Wells pulled over in a remote area of Upper Merion and sexually assaulted the intoxicated victim in the back seat of his car while her sister slept in the front. Wells then assaulted the victim a second time outside her Norristown home. DNA evidence and cellphone data corroborated the victim's account.

  • On May 25, 2024, Wells met the victim and her sister at a pool party in Lawnside, New Jersey.
  • Later that evening, Wells gave the victim and her sister a ride home to Norristown.
  • Around 11:46 PM on May 25, 2024, Wells pulled over in a remote area of Upper Merion and sexually assaulted the victim.
  • Around 1:46 AM on May 26, 2024, Wells sexually assaulted the victim a second time outside her Norristown home.
  • On January 30, 2026, a jury convicted Wells of the charges.

The players

Ivory Wells

A 35-year-old Philadelphia resident who was convicted of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl.

Anne O'Connell

The assistant district attorney who prosecuted the case and praised the victim's courage in testifying.

A. Charles Peruto Jr.

The defense lawyer for Ivory Wells, who suggested Wells believed the contact was consensual.

Risa Vetri Ferman

The judge who presided over the trial and deferred sentencing for Wells.

Danny Bocanumenth and Michael Davis

The Upper Merion detectives who investigated the case and collected evidence that corroborated the victim's account.

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What they’re saying

“'This girl was 15-years-old and out for a fun night with her sister and this man took advantage of that. He took advantage of her intoxicated state while she was passed out in the back seat of his car.'”

— Anne O'Connell, Assistant District Attorney

“'Forcing her back into the car in front of her house is brazen and violent and dangerous and this man needs to be in prison for a long time.'”

— Anne O'Connell, Assistant District Attorney

“'The victim did a fantastic job in court, coming and facing this man who violated her in unspeakable ways. The strength she had to come and face him was incredible.'”

— Anne O'Connell, Assistant District Attorney

“'He's very disappointed because the consequences are so severe.'”

— A. Charles Peruto Jr., Defense Lawyer

What’s next

The judge will decide on Wells' sentencing at a future hearing, where prosecutors are expected to seek a significant prison term.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need to protect minors from sexual predators, even in situations involving drugs and alcohol, and the importance of thorough investigations and strong prosecutions to hold offenders accountable and send a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated.