LINCOLNTON -- Detective Brent Heavner has led an undercover sting operation for the Lincolnton Police Department the past two years.
He's credited for helping to catch more than 50 online child predators.
Heavner would pose as a child online and arrange to meet suspects for sex.
Last month, the he was fired by the department for misconduct.
Chief Rodney Jordan said he could not comment on the matter because it’s a personnel issue.
Lincoln County District Attorney Mike Miller said if Heavner's credibility is challenged, the more than 50 cases of convicted offenders could appeal and possibly be removed from the sex registry.
This week a hearing was held in Cleveland County where attorney Miller asked for evidence from Heavner's personnel file but it was continued by the defense.
“I'm 100 percent behind Brent on this”, said police officer Jason Mundy.
Officer Mundy is running for sheriff next year. In an unprecedented campaign, his platform includes Heavner as his chief deputy.
“The reason I picked him, he's the type of officer I'm looking for and the person is honest. He's hard working, he's dedicated, he cares about the community,” the officer said.
Friday, Spectrum News learned Mundy was put on paid administrative leave last week. Again, the chief could not comment on why, only saying it’s a personnel issue.
In an email, Heavner's attorney, Mike Elliot, said during an investigations Heavner discovered information about a fellow police officer, of which he reported. He said he trusted it would be given to the right authorities. When he uncovered more information he was silenced, suspended and terminated.
City Manager Steve Zickefoose said he has the last say over police department matter and has a hearing set up next week regarding Heavner's case.