Hayesville Man Arrested for DWI, Reckless Driving, and Misdemeanor Child Abuse After Traffic Stop

Clay County Sheriff's Office

Press Release

On 07/13/26 at 5:38 PM, Clay County Lt. Brandon Coker stopped a Ram Truck at the Dollar General Store located at Business Hwy 64 east and Hwy 64 in Hayesville. Lt. Coker had observed the truck to have been driven very near the rear bumper of a small car in front of it while revving its engine. Lt. Coker noted the truck to almost hitting the car in front multiple times.

Once stopped, Lt. Coker identified the driver to have been Micha Samuel Butts, 27 years of age from Hayesville. Lt. Coker also noted a 7-year-old child to be seated in the front seat of the truck. As soon as Lt. Coker arrived at the driver’s window of the truck, he noticed an odor of alcohol from within. Clay County Officer Sean Stout soon arrived to assist with this traffic stop.

As a result of this traffic stop, Butts was arrested and charged with Driving with No Operator’s License, Reckless Driving, Driving While Impaired, and Misdemeanor Child Abuse. Butts was issued a $2,000 secured bond for his release. Lt. Coker coordinated with Clay County Department of Social Services and remained at the scene of the vehicle stop until the mother arrived to pick up her child.

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