Former NC sheriff begins serving federal time

WILMINGTON, N.C. — A former North Carolina sheriff convicted of obstructing justice has begun serving a federal prison sentence.

The Star-News of Wilmington reported Wednesday that 45-year-old Ronald Hewett reported to the federal prison complex in Butner on Tuesday. U.S. Bureau of Prisons spokeswoman Traci Billingsley said the former Brunswick County sheriff was in a low-security facility.

Hewett was sentenced in October to 16 months on prison and fined $10,000.

A federal investigation centered on the use of deputies working on Hewett's property. Prosecutors said Hewett's employees also campaigned for him on county time.

Authorities said Hewett told deputies not to talk to a federal grand jury or to be vague.

Hewett also was sentenced to three years of probation for a state embezzlement conviction.

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Information from: The Star-News, http://starnewsonline.com

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