Demotion of Pender County sheriff’s deputy

Pender County leaders plan to release information about the demotion of a sheriff’s deputy.

Sheriff Carson Smith demoted Sergeant Michael Lewis last month to deputy in connection with Lewis’s role in helping rescue malnourished horses in the Hampstead area.

Because of state laws governing personnel issues, the sheriff’s office has been unable to release the details of the suspension. Sheriff Smith and the county manager are outlining their position on the matter. They are expected to release more detailed information about the demotion Monday.