McAfee partners are largely standing by the company amid media reports about the company's founder being wanted for questioning by police in Belize.

The company's founder, John McAfee, has been in the news this week, refuting allegations by authorities in Belize that he murdered his neighbor in the town of San Pedro. McAfee told ABC News that he fears stepping forward to answer the charges, claiming that he, himself, might be murdered in custody.

Partners are watching the developments with varying levels of interest but do not believe the news will inhibit McAfee product sales.

[Related: McAfee Shakes Up Sales, Marketing Leadership]

"It's not something that impacts our customers," said Andrew Plato, CEO of Anitian Enterprise Security in Beaverton, Ore. "I think most people would find it somewhat humorous and maybe a little sad. But, it has nothing to do with the technology at McAfee, and clearly he's been gone from the company for a long time."

Plato's opinion on the John McAfee debacle is echoed by other channel partners who sell products from the company that McAfee founded.

"I'm not sure that any of my customers are even aware of the allegations," said Rafiq Hoque, principal of H2 Global, an Addison, Texas-based McAfee partner. "I wouldn't be surprised if somebody asks me about it at some point, but there's no connection with the company or any of its products anymore."

Added Chris Boykin, vice president of professional services at GotNet Security in Bedford, Texas: "None of our customers are asking about this. I'm not even sure if a lot of people are even aware that there was actually a guy named McAfee who started the company. Their products are still among our strongest sellers, and I don't see any difference at all."

PUBLISHED NOV. 16, 2012