WASHINGTON COUNTY, Fla. (WDNews) — A 69-year-old Chipley man is facing up to life in prison after a Washington County jury found him guilty of sexually abusing a young child in a case that also led to the arrest of his twin brother.
According to the Office of State Attorney for the 14th Judicial Circuit, Ronald Gene Hawkins was found guilty Thursday of lewd and lascivious molestation involving a victim younger than 12.
A six-person jury deliberated for about 90 minutes before finding Hawkins guilty as charged.
Prosecutors said the young victim testified during the trial. Another witness also testified about a separate but similar incident involving Hawkins.
“We are grateful to the victims for their courage in testifying and to the jury for its careful attention to the evidence,” Washington County Chief Prosecutor Megan Ford said.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Hawkins was originally arrested in January 2025 following an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse that reportedly occurred over several years.
Investigators interviewed the victim and reviewed evidence before obtaining an arrest warrant. Ronald Hawkins was arrested in Brevard County and extradited to Washington County.
Ronald Hawkins and his twin brother, Donald Ray Hawkins, were both arrested in January 2025 after several alleged victims came forward, according to reports. The alleged victims reported abuse involving the brothers over a period of several years.
Donald Hawkins was arrested at his home in Cottondale. He has not been convicted and continues to face charges stemming from the investigation.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office also credited Ford for her work during Ronald Hawkins’ trial.
“Ford did an outstanding job presenting the case and ensuring the evidence was clearly presented throughout the trial,” the sheriff’s office said.
Chief Circuit Court Judge Christopher Patterson scheduled Ronald Hawkins’ sentencing for Nov. 3.
According to the State Attorney’s Office, Hawkins faces up to life in prison.
