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A stop that was prompted by an expired license plate resulted in two Clay County residents going to jail and facing drug charges, according to a release from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.
The stop also resulted in seizure of alleged methamphetamine from one suspect just before entering the detention center.
At around 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 5 Clay County Lt. Tyler Faggard stopped a Toyota Tacoma on the downtown square in Hayesville for displaying the expired registration plate. The owner and driver of the Tacoma was Jennifer May Garrett, 48, of Hayesville.
The front passenger in the truck was not involved with this investigation. However, Broderick Leviod Hinton, 67, of Hayesville, was found to be sitting in the back seat behind the driver.
N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper Charlie Cheeks, Clay County Sgt. Steven Smith, Clay County Deputy Donovan Burke and Clay County Officer Ralphie Medina subsequently arrived to the scene. The occupants were asked to get out of the vehicle and Garrett consented to a search of her truck.
A bank bag with Garrett’s name on it was reportedly found behind the driver’s seat. According to officers, it contained a small baggy of suspected methamphetamine. In addition, a search of Hinton’s person yielded another baggy containing suspected methamphetamine.
Hinton admitted it was his, according to the release. Both Hinton and Garrett were arrested and transported to the Clay County Detention Center.
Prior to entering the detention center, Faggard asked Hinton if there was anything illegal on his person. A question that is routinely ask because entering a detention center or prison with controlled substances constitutes a separate felony charge.
Hinton indicated that he did have something and directed Faggard toward his wallet. The wallet yielded two separate baggies, each containing suspected methamphetamine.
Hinton was charged with felony possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine and was given a $20,000 secured bond. Garrett was charged with felony possession of methamphetamine and given a $10,000 secured bond.