BOLIVIA, N.C. - John William Ingram V has been named the new sheriff of Brunswick County to replace Ronald Hewett, who resigned after he was suspended and charged with embezzlement and obstructing justice.

The Wilmington Star-News reported that Ingram was selected Saturday in a secret ballot by the county Democratic Party to serve the rest of Hewett's term that ends in 2010.

Ingram had been hired as the county's chief deputy last month by the interim sheriff. He worked in the office from 1991 to 2004 and three years in the Columbus County Sheriff's Office.