Clay County Traffic Stop Uncovers Felony Marijuana Charges for Hayesville Driver

Press Release

On 03/11/25 at approximately 9:36 PM Clay County Investigator Steven Smith clocked a 2011 Subaru traveling 65-mph in a 55-mph speed zone. Investigator Smith stopped this vehicle just east of the Chunky Gal overlook on US 64 east in Clay County. Devon Ray Esler, 30 years of age from Hayesville, was found to be driving the Subaru.  After contacting Esler, Investigator Smith immediately smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

     During this traffic stop, Clay County Investigator Queen, Sgt Kyle Lickteig, and Officer Sean Stout arrived to assist Investigator Smith. Investigator Smith deployed his K-9, Luca, around the outside of the vehicle. Luca alerted at the open driver’s side door. A probable cause search of the Subaru began after this alert by Luca. Two injectable doses and two nasal doses of Narcan were found in the center console. Narcan is only used for people who are actively overdosing from the use of opioids, opiates, fentanyl, etc.

     During the search of the vehicle, a gray backpack was found in the rear hatch area of the Subaru. The backpack contained two large Food Saver vacuum bags, each containing approximately one pound of marijuana. Also found within the backpack were two individually packaged THC vape pens.

     Esler was arrested and charged with felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Marijuana and felony Maintaining a Vehicle to Keep Drugs. Esler was transported to the Clay County Detention Center where he was given no bond due to already being on pre-trial release for narcotics related charges in Haywood County.