Former Brunswick County Sheriff Charged With Weapons Violations

WILMINGTON – United States Attorney Thomas G. Walker announced today that RONALD EMERY HEWETT, 51, of Supply, North Caolina, had his initial appearance in Wilmington.  HEWETT was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code 922(g)(1).  HEWETT is the former Brunswick County Sheriff who pled guilty to one count of Obstruction of Justice on June 2, 2008. 

HEWETT was initially charged in a criminal complaint.  As set forth in the affidavit supporting the complaint, multiple firearms were located in HEWETT’S residence on July 9, 2014.  HEWETT is a convicted felon and was sentenced to a 16 month term of imprisonment on October 6, 2008.

If convicted, HEWETT faces a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years supervised release.  The actual sentence would be determined by the sentencing court after consideration of the advisory sentencing guidelines.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (ATF) and the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer E. Wells.   

The charges contained in this indictment are allegations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.