AMW Case File

CASE
CAPTURE
MEDIA

Wayne Ray Zeller

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Wanted For:

Third Degree Sexual Assault Of A Child (Two Counts)
Cheyenne , WY

Latest Airing:

February 26 2011

Fugitive In Handcuffs Hours After AMW Debut

Authorities in a small Wyoming town tell AMW that accused pedophile Wayne Ray Zeller turned to God before turning himself in. The Gillette Police Department says the 49-year-old attended church services earlier that day and spoke with a pastor, who ultimately convinced the alleged child molester to surrender to authorities.

Sex:

Male

Race:

White

Current Age:

Height:

Weight:

230 - 250 lbs.

Hair (Color, Description, Facial Hair):

Brown
U.S. Marshals say the last picture they have of Zeller was taken in 2000, so he could be wearing his facial hair in a different way or be clean-shaven.

Eyes:

Brown

Scars and Tattoos:

U.S. Marshals believe Zeller has unknown tattoos on his left arm/forearm, as well as his upper right arm.

Traits and Habits:

Authorities say Zeller has worked as a mechanic, janitor, apartment complex maintenance technician, as well as within a co-op organization.

Last Seen:

Cheyenne , WY
Authorities say Zeller has a bench warrant issued for his arrest for not showing up at court to face two counts of third degree sexual assault of a child.

Other Possible Locations:

Colorado
Pine Bluff , WY
Wyoming
Nebraska
Evans , CO
California
Greeley , CO
Nevada
U.S. Marshals say Zeller comes from a large family and could be in California, Colorado, Nebraska or Nevada -- or may have even returned to Wyoming.

Last Known Locations:

Evans , CO

Cops say the last address for Zeller came back to Evans, Colo. They say the accused pedophile was born in Colorado.

Last updated February 28, 2011

Wayne Ray Zeller

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Feb 27, 2011

Cops: Zeller Turned To God Before Surrendering

Cops tell AMW that Zeller -- who looks dramatically different than his original photo -- was "tired of running," and turned himself in to the Gillette Police Department on Feb. 27, 2011.
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Less than 24 hours after he was featured on America’s Most Wanted, accused pedophile Wayne Ray Zeller was in the custody of the Gillette Police Department in Wyoming.

Cops tell AMW that the 49-year-old, who had been on the run for almost 10 years, finally got a conscience and turned himself in.

“He was in the presence of a pastor when he came to the Gillette Police Department to surrender,” said Cpl. John Lawrence. “Zeller claimed to have only been in town a few hours and said he attended church services earlier in the morning. That’s when he decided to talk to the pastor, who ultimately convinced Zeller to turn himself over to authorities.”

Cpl. Lawrence goes on to say that Zeller gave up his name, Social Security number and date of birth – and listed his address as “homeless.”

“He showed up with only the clothes on his back, no vehicle or baggage,” Cpl. Lawrence said. “We tried making small talk, and he refused to answer more questions, other than saying he was wanted out of Laramie County. He was pretty tight-lipped about what he’d been up to for the past decade and wanted to lawyer up before giving us any more information.”

AMW spoke with the arresting officer, Officer Owen Kimberling, who said that Zeller was “very scared and nervous” and “visibly shaking.”

“Zeller said, ‘this is the biggest decision of my life,’ and also remarked that he had been on the run for ‘way too long,’” Officer Kimberling said. “Once he said the U.S. Marshals were after him, I figured it was a high-profile case. Finding out he was featured on AMW was quite the shock for the department.”

After confirming Zeller’s warrant out of Laramie County, Wyo., Officer Kimberling personally transferred the accused pedophile to the Campbell County Detention Center, remarking that Zeller kept thanking him for being “so polite and nice.”

“The capture of Mr. Zeller was a huge accomplishment, and I really do appreciate what AMW does and what Mr. Walsh does,” Officer Kimberling remarked. “I believe Mr. Walsh is a great man and hopefully we can catch some more criminals together. Keep doing what you’re doing, AMW.”

U.S. Marshals tell AMW that Zeller will be extradited to Laramie County on Mar. 3, 2011. The 49-year-old faces two counts of third degree sexual assault of a child.

-- Jenny Allen, AMW Staff