Arrest Made Near NC/GA Line

On 06/28/23 at approximately 1:31 p.m., Clay County Sheriff’s Officer Justin Osborne stopped a maroon Toyota Tacoma at the intersection of Young Harris Road and West Road in Warne, NC. This traffic stop was made for speeding and the belief that the driver had a suspended driver’s license.

The driver was found to be Nathan Wayne McLean, 43 years of age from Marble, NC and in fact had a suspended driver’s license. While speaking with McLean, Officer Osborn noted the odor of marijuana about the driver’s window of the truck.

When asked about the odor of marijuana, McLean said there was a half of a “joint” of marijuana in the truck’s ashtray. McLean also said there were no weapons in the truck and

he could not own any firearms because he was a convicted felon. During this time Clay County Officer Ben Velasquez arrived to assist Officer Osborne and the truck was searched for illegal controlled substances.

A purple bottle was found within the center console of the truck containing suspected

marijuana and methamphetamine. McLean was arrested, charged with Felony Possession of

Methamphetamine and Driving While License Revoked, and ultimately jailed under a $5000 secured bond.

*Suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law."