Sheriff's deputy faces sex charges

FRANKLIN, Va. (WAVY) - The Isle of Wight County sheriff's deputy arrested Monday on charges involving sex acts with a minor was put on administrative leave Thursday by County Sheriff Charles Phelps.

Officials said Deputy Ronald Williams Carwile was arrested Monday on several charges involving sex acts with a minor.

During a search of Carwile's home, police recovered a picture of a male private body part, digital scale and a wood container containing a smoking device and suspected marijuana. Police also recovered a DVD, VHS tape, cell phone, disposable camera and three rolls of film.

Carwile has been with the department for six years and remains at work. Isle of Wight County Sheriff Charles Phelps, "he told me he was not guilty of this...and that there was no validity to the accusations."

As for the marijuana, Sheriff Phelps says that could belong to the sheriff's office. WAVY.com asked Phelps if Carwile improperly took home evidence.

"He was destroying evidence on Friday. I understand the marijuana was found in his county issued car. I have no evidence he was using the drugs for his own personal use...I don't have any evidence to disprove it either....this is all part of my internal investigation to figure out what happened," he said.

Sheriff Phelps says Carwile was at work Tuesday helping to hand off criminal evidence in other cases. 

"We have this issue, but we don't need other issues. He is here handing over the chain of custody in criminal cases. We are [taking inventory on] all the evidence in the evidence locker, and it will be turned over to another deputy for court reasons. This involves verifying the evidence to another officer, and that officer will take possession of that evidence," Phelps said.

Phelps said Carwile's status could change, "I am conducting an internal investigation. He knows as soon as the chain of custody in criminal cases is handed over he could be suspended with or without pay depending on my internal investigation."

Carwile is set to appear in court on Wednesday, March 24, 2010. He maintains his innocence.