The Natchez Democrat reported Edward Wells, 52, was captured on Monday, February 17 around 4:00 p.m. in a wooded area near the Natchez Walmart.

Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten said Wells had warrants for failure to register as a sex offender and for cutting off an ankle monitor.

According to the sheriff, a tip led investigators to a makeshift tree house in the woods near John A. Quitman Boulevard and Melrose Avenue. Authorities were able to track Wells to his location near the Walmart.

During the search for Wells, Patten said a second sex offender was identified as Ernest Thomas, Jr. He was arrested for failure to register in Franklin County.

Thomas was also arrested on Monday on David Field Road in Roxie with assistance from Franklin County deputies.