Crystal Ciarha Bernice Wells had violated two standard conditions of her supervised release: failing to provide the probation office access to her residence and failing to maintain verifiable full-time employment. The probation office had requested a finding of violation at a hearing held April 8.
Rather than impose additional penalties or extend supervision, Judge Adams took the unusual step of granting Wells' oral motion for early termination. 'In lieu of sentencing, the court grants Defendant's oral motion for early termination of supervision effective immediately,' Adams wrote in his April 9 order.
The decision came after Wells, represented by counsel, admitted to both violations during the hearing. The case represents an uncommon judicial response where a court terminates supervision immediately upon finding violations rather than imposing consequences.
Wells was originally sentenced in the criminal case that began in 2021. The nature of her underlying conviction and the length of her supervised release term were not detailed in the brief order terminating supervision.
Standard conditions of supervised release typically require defendants to allow probation officers access to their homes for searches and to maintain steady employment or actively seek work. Violations of these conditions usually result in warnings, extended supervision, or brief periods of incarceration.
Judge Adams provided no explanation for his decision to terminate rather than extend Wells' supervision despite the admitted violations. The order was filed the day after the violation hearing, suggesting the court acted swiftly on the defendant's request.
The early termination means Wells is no longer subject to federal supervision and the various conditions that come with supervised release, including reporting requirements and restrictions on travel and association.