Hayesville Man Charged With Child Sex Crimes

Press Release

Jonathan Daniel Whitlow, 36 years of age from Hayesville, was arrested by Clay County Sheriff’s Officers on 09/18/25. Whitlow was charged with 4 counts of felony Secret Peeping Involving Child Victims. Whitlow was confined to the Clay County Detention Center and held under a $250,000.00 secured bond for those charges.

On 09/22/2025 Whitlow was additionally charged with 10 felony counts of Statutory Sexual Offense With A Child, 2 felony counts of Indecent Liberties With A Child and 3 additional felony counts of felony Secret Peeping. Whitlow was issued a $2,000,000.00 secured bond on these additional charges. Whitlow remains in the Clay County Detention Center. Whitlow’s next court date is scheduled for 10/20/25.

All these afore described crimes occurred between 2018 to 2025 and involved four separate children between the ages of 10 and 14. As with most all child sexual abuse investigations, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office closely partnered during this investigation with the HAVEN Child Advocacy Center located in Peachtree.

It should be noted that a single count of Statutory Sexual Offense With A Child has a maximum punishment of life without parole.  

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.