19-Year-Old Arrested for Methamphetamine Possession After Traffic Stop in Clay County

Press Release

On 03/12/25 at approximately 8:21 PM, Clay County Investigator Steven Smith stopped a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe on old US Hwy 64 west near Cantrell’s Body Shop. Investigator Smith stopped this Tahoe after he noted it to cross the center line of the road multiple times while traveling west. Sierra Katelyn Lowe, 19 years of age from Hayesville, was found to be driving the Tahoe with another individual as a passenger.

     After Investigator Smith explained the reason for stopping the Tahoe, Lowe said she had her tongue pierced earlier that day, had taken some unknown pills for the pain, and did feel impaired. Clay County Lt. Tyler Faggard, Officer Sean Stout, and Officer Cory Scroggs (K-9) soon arrived at the scene to assist Investigator Smith. While Investigator Smith administered a field sobriety test on Lowe, Officer Scroggs deployed his K-9 to “open-air sniff” around the Tahoe’s exterior.

     Officer Scroggs’ K-9 gave a positive alert for narcotics in and around the Tahoe. Lowe was informed about the K-9 alert and informed that her vehicle would be searched. When asked if she was in possession of any controlled substances, Lowe removed a small plastic baggy from her bra. This baggy contained a small amount of marijuana and an even smaller yellow plastic bag that contained a white crystalline substance that Lowe said was methamphetamine.

     Two glass smoking pipes were found within the Tahoe with one having suspected methamphetamine residue and one having suspected marijuana residue. Lowe was arrested at the scene for felony Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Lowe was transported to the Clay County Detention Center and placed under a $10,000 secured bond.