I am a former Brunswick County Native. I grew up with Ronald. We attended church together and our families knew each other well. I don't ever recall not knowing him. I find all of the allegations against him very disheartening. The person I grew up with was a good person and I always voted for him when I lived in Brunswick County. I heard of these allegations through family and friends and felt compelled to offer my thoughts. Innoncence or guilt on Ronald's part I do not know but what I do know is that we all can get caught up in situations or may even create situations for ourselves that just shouldn't be a part of our lives. But for the person that I knew and grew up with I certainly thought of as a friend and still do. When someones actions are less than desirable no matter what their position is in society, if they are quilty, then yes they should be held within the same standards as everyone else. However, I do not feel everyone should bail on him even if he is quilty. Can you hate the sin and still love the sinner? I think so. We have all done or said things we shouldn't and I am sure the pressures of office were great, that doesn't excuse inapproiate behaviors but I do feel people of any stature can become misquided in their efforts. I hope the people of Brunswick County, the people that I grew up with and still consider friends and family will remember the good Ronald Hewett has done. Will still be there for him. It is when we are in our darkess hours we need those friends and family the most. I don't think that Brunswick County will ever be the same and maybe Ronald Hewett's life may never be the same. However, the community can pull together, maybe not in support of him as a Sheriff but in support of him as a citizen of our community, a friend, a husband, a father, a son, as a person who right now may need to know more than any other time in his life that we can still support him because we care. When we fall short of our intended efforts and short of the expectations of our community and friends and family it can be a dark and lonely time. He and his family need our prayers and support. If his efforts were less than perfect and the expectations the community placed on him were not up to par then I am sure he will be punished. Don't forget the Lord is loving and forgiving and we have all fallen short of his expectations, could we be more like him? I could not imagine walking in Ronald's shoes right now. Every eye focused on you. Every finger pointing at you. Every person you have know in an entire lifetime wondering and questioning your every move. I will pray that no matter what happens he will have the strength to see it through. His children still need him, his wife, his family, his friends. Know that there will be life after this even though it seems bleak now. You can find the strength to overcome this and you still have support and prayers of the people who love you Ronald Hewett, the person. Step up Brunswick County and stand behind Ronald Hewett for the person you know and grew up with. He deserves that much, we all would!! My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family!!