Traffic accident leads to drug arrest

The following press release has been issued by Clay County Sheriff's Office.  All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

​On Friday January 12, 2018, a Clay County Deputy responded to a report of a traffic crash on Hwy 64 West at Fires Creek Road, according to Sheriff Davis. The driver, Diego Soto, failed to slow down for the vehicle in front of him and struck it in the rear.

While waiting for the North Carolina Highway Patrol to arrive, the deputy noticed the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle that Soto was driving. The state trooper arrived and noticed the same odor. A search of the vehicle revealed a jar containing approximately 56 grams of marijuana. There were also scales and small plastic bags used in the distribution of marijuana discovered with the jar.

Sheriff Davis said Diego Soto, 22 of Andrews, was arrested and charged with Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Marijuana, Felony Maintaining a Vehicle for use of Controlled Substance, and Felony Possession of Marijuana. He was released on January 13th after making a $5,000 bond. He is scheduled to be in court on Wednesday January 17, 2018.