Pat Brand
389 Country
Clay County law enforcement arrested a Hayesville woman on January 28, 2025, after a late-night traffic stop led to the discovery of methamphetamine.
Around midnight, Officer Sean Stout of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office stopped a Toyota Highlander on U.S. Highway 64 East near the intersection of N.C. Highway 175. The vehicle was pulled over due to having only one functioning taillight and no tag light, as required by law. The driver was identified as 52-year-old Staci Deann Wilson of Hayesville.
According to Officer Stout, Wilson appeared nervous, avoided eye contact, and stumbled over her words. A records check through Clay County Dispatch revealed the vehicle’s license plate was expired. Due to the vehicle’s close proximity to the roadway, Wilson was asked to step out of the car.
Officer Drew Judge arrived on the scene to assist. Wilson consented to a search of her vehicle while Officer Judge stood with her. During the search, Officer Judge observed Wilson attempting to conceal a clear plastic bag. Upon retrieval, the bag was found to contain a crystal-like substance, which later field-tested positive for methamphetamine. Wilson was then taken into custody and transported to the Clay County Detention Center.
Once at the detention center, Officer Stout conducted a routine search of his patrol vehicle. He discovered two syringes—one containing a red liquid—as well as a cigarette pack containing two cut red straws with white residue. Wilson denied ownership of these items. However, Officer Stout noted that he had thoroughly searched the back seat of his vehicle just two hours prior, following department protocol after each transport.
Wilson has been charged with felony possession of methamphetamine. She was booked into the Clay County Detention Center under a $5,000 secured bond.
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