Pender deputy demoted surrounding animal abuse cases

Pender County Sheriff Carson Smith has released information as to why one of his deputies was demoted last month.

Sergeant Michael Lewis was demoted after he helped rescue malnourished horses in the Hampstead area.

Monday, Sheriff Smith cited two other incidents where he claims Lewis took over animal abuse cases without informing animal control.

According to Smith, Sergeant Lewis also seized animals and made arrests without consulting members of his department, and allegedly without proper training.

The County Manager and the Pender County Board of Commissioners approved the statement regarding Lewis’ demotion.