Trespassing Call Leads to Drug Charges in Clay County

Press Release

On 11/07/25 at 4:06 PM, Clay County Investigator Brandon Coker responded to Turkey Cove Subdivision in response to Destiny Paige Swenson, 35 years of age from Hayesville, believed to be trespassing. Officers had responded to this location on prior occasions concerning other individuals seen trespassing. Once at the scene, Investigator Coker found Swenson present standing on a pile of debris with rocks in her hand. As Swenson began walking toward Investigator Coker with rocks in her possession, she was asked if she had any weapons. Swenson was told to remove her jacket as she approached for officer safety reasons. As Swenson removed her jacket, Investigator Coke saw the orange caps from syringes protruding from her inner jacket pocket.

After seizing Swenson’s jacket, Investigator Coker found within it a clear baggy containing a substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine. Also, within the jacket, Investigator Coker found a baggy containing six pieces of folded aluminum foil with four of them containing a substance that field tested positive for fentanyl. All field testing was done using an ultra-accurate $30,000+ "True Narc" system that the Clay County Sheriff's Office was fortunate to obtain through a grant several years ago. The use of the old chemically activated test tube type drug testing systems are discouraged as of current. Examples of dangerous chemical reactions have been reported where criminals will substitute reactive substances for drugs as a way to ambush unsuspecting Officers.

Swenson was charged with Felony Possession of Methamphetamine. Since the fentanyl was subdivided into four distinct packages, Swenson was charged with the elevated crime of Felony Possession With Intent to Sale or Deliver Fentanyl. After her arrest, Swenson was transported to the Magistrate. Swenson was not issued a bond for her release due to already being out on pre-trial release in Macon County.

Clay County Investigator Steven Smith and Clay County Officer JJ Wooten assisted Investigator Coker during this investigation.