Sex Offender Charged in Clay County

Clay County Sheriff's Office

Press Release

Georgia Probation Officer Sarah Bowers contacted Clay County Sheriff’s Office Sex Offender Coordinator Jessica Watkins about a registered sex offender she was supervising. The sex offender was Edward Lee Chandler, 65 years of age from Blairsville, Georgia.

Officer Bowers informed Watkins that Chandler had been working at 219 Byers Road in Hayesville since 09/21/26 and inquired if he had notified her of his presence in Clay County. Watkins, who tracks the comings and goings of every sex offender in Clay County, had no knowledge of Chandler. Watkins immediately notified Clay County Lt. Brandon Coker of this information and attempts to locate Chandler were begun.  

Several attempts were made to locate Chandler at this address by Lt. Coker and Clay County Investigator Aly Daniel with negative results. On 10/15/26, Lt. Coker finally contacted Chandler by phone. Chandler admitted to working at that address in Hayesville without notifying Watkins as required by law. On 10/19/26 at 11:05 AM, Lt. Coker arrested Chandler for being a registered sex offender and failing to register with Watkins while working in Clay County. Chandler was ultimately issued a $50,000 secured bond for his release.

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