Isle of Wight officer charged

Published 10:52 pm Tuesday, March 16, 2010

FRANKLIN—An Isle of Wight County sheriff’s sergeant faces several felony charges stemming from alleged sex acts with a teenage girl.

Ronald Williams Carwile, 48, of the 100 block of Lakeview Road in Franklin was arrested Monday and charged with five felonies, according to Lt. Tim Whitt, a spokesman for the Franklin Police Department.

Whitt said a “third party” reported the alleged crimes to city police, who investigated. After a review of the facts by the commonwealth’s attorney’s office, warrants were issued for Carwile, Whitt said.

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The alleged acts involving Carwile and a girl are said to have occurred between September and January, Whitt said.

Carwile is free on a $10,000 secured bond.

According to the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office’s Web site, Carwile has been with the department since 2004. He is in charge of evidence control and has an extensive background in forensics and is called upon to process crime scenes.

Carwile maintains his innocence, according to his attorney, Jack Randall.

“We expect all charges to be dismissed,” Randall said.

Isle of Wight County Sheriff C.W. Phelps said that Carwile advised him of the charges he is facing after he was released on bond.

The sheriff said he has placed Carwile on administrative duty, pending an administrative investigation by the sheriff’s office.

“Sgt. Carwile’s status with this agency will rest upon this investigation,” Phelps said in a written statement.