U.S. District Court Judge Earl Britt called it a "tragic day in Brunswick County" as he sentenced Ronald Hewett to two years of probation, a $10,000 fine and mandatory participation in a substance abuse program.

The decision came months after Hewett pleaded guilty to obstructing an investigation into how he was running his department. He harassed deputies who were called to testify before a grand jury.

Hewett's attorney, Doug Parsons, aimed to portray Hewett as a dedicated worker who at 31 became one of the state's youngest sheriffs.

Parsons noted that as Hewett's county grew in population, so did the scope of his responsibilities as the leader of a 35-member department. Parsons said Hewett's job "became too big for him" and he began abusing drugs and alcohol, eventually falling into depression.

Still, Parsons said, Hewett was recuperating and had been clean for five months. With Hewett's mother and wife nearby, Parsons asked the judge to consider Hewett's character and long career before making his decision.

"He's broken, but he's not hopeless," Parsons said.

Hewett spoke only briefly, his voice cracking as he made a short apology to his family and Brunswick County residents.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis Duffy said Hewett had two sides -- the public figure that most people knew, and the man who had been inadequately running a department. He said Hewett bullied his department and used it "as his personal kingdom."

Duffy said Hewett sexually harassed female employees, used racist comments toward other employees and used department units as his personal workers.

He asked Britt to look beyond the damage Hewett's actions had caused his family and instead look at the damage caused to law enforcement officers in the county -- many of whom refused to work under Hewett and quit their jobs.

At a news conference outside the courthouse, U.S. Attorney George E.B. Holding said he was pleased with Britt's sentencing, but the fact remained that a public official had once again abused his power.

"It's tragic, it's dark, it's sad," he said. "We're not going to tolerate these corrupt officials."

Hewett was suspended from office in March after serving as sheriff for 14 years. He resigned April 15. He still faces state charges of embezzlement and obstruction of justice, but Holding said it was unclear when Hewett would face those charges.

Get $150+ in coupons in every Sunday N&O. Click here for convenient home delivery.