Two Arrested in Hayesville on Drug and Felony Charges

On April 1, 2025, at 12:27 PM, Clay County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Tyler Faggard responded to a call at Jacky Jones Ford in Hayesville, leading to the arrest of two individuals on multiple felony charges. Lt. Faggard was attempting to locate Thomas Jason Lewis, a 48-year-old from Andrews, NC, who was wanted on outstanding felony warrants for Breaking or Entering and Larceny.

Upon arrival, Lt. Faggard found Lewis attempting to hide behind his truck and took him into custody without incident. Inside the truck was Heather LeeAnn Gribble, 36, from McCaysville, GA. While speaking with Gribble, Lt. Faggard detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Clay County Sergeant Will Suggs and Officer Donovan Burke arrived shortly after to assist with a probable cause search of the truck.

The search uncovered a black box containing several clear baggies with suspected methamphetamine residue, a cigarette pack in Gribble’s purse holding two baggies of a substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine, and a black backpack in the truck bed containing multiple baggies with a total of 4.5 pounds of suspected marijuana. Gribble admitted ownership of the two baggies of methamphetamine, while Lewis claimed responsibility for the 4.5 pounds of what he identified as marijuana.

Lewis was charged with Felony Possession of Marijuana, Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Marijuana, Felony Possession of Stolen Property, and the outstanding felony warrants. He is being held without bond. Gribble faces charges of Felony Possession of Methamphetamine and Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine, and she is being held under a $10,000 secured bond.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office stated that while it typically does not prioritize resources on simple marijuana possession, it will enforce North Carolina law when encountering quantities consistent with distribution. The office noted that such investigations often uncover evidence of more serious drugs, as seen in this case.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.