Escaped inmate, family now facing animal cruelty charges

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Animal control officers with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Animal Protective Services have filed additional charges against the man accused of escaping a jail, along with members of his family.

Deputies said William Hewett, Katherine Hewett Carter (mother), Earl Antonio Carter (stepfather), Tanna Lynn Hewett (aunt), and Curtis Wayne Hewett (brother) have each been charged with one count of animal cruelty.

Seventeen dogs and one horse were found on the Hewett family compound the morning William Hewett was captured by the sheriff’s office. Deputies said many of the dogs had no food, water or adequate shelter. Some dogs were also tied to chains weighing as much as 26 pounds, deputies said. Several of the dogs were found to be in extremely poor health, suffering from mange and in need of veterinary care.

Hewett and the family members named above remain in the Brunswick County Detention Facility.