Fort Payne Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Aggravated Assault and Theft

Trenton, GA – A Dade County jury has convicted Ethan Wayne Rogers, 36, of Fort Payne, Alabama, on charges of Aggravated Assault and Theft by Bringing Stolen Property into the State following a two-day trial before Judge Don Thompson that concluded on October 28, 2025.

According to evidence presented in court, the case stems from a January 3, 2022 incident at the One 9 Fuel Station in Wildwood, where investigators with the DeKalb County (AL) Sheriff’s Office were attempting to execute an arrest warrant for Rogers in connection with a stolen 2015 Honda Accord.

Two of the Alabama investigators also served as sworn deputies with the Dade County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Ray Cross. When the investigators located the stolen vehicle, they attempted to block it in. Rogers then accelerated, narrowly missing Investigator Andrew Hairston, a 40-year law enforcement veteran, and nearly crushing him between vehicles.

Hairston’s son, Investigator Joshua Hairston, quickly reacted and fired on Rogers, striking him in the abdomen. Investigators immediately rendered aid until emergency responders arrived, and Rogers later recovered from his injuries.

The case was jointly investigated by GBI Special Agent Adam Jones and Dade County investigators Chad Payne and Tim McKaig.

Prosecution was led by Senior Assistant District Attorney Kevin Baugh and Assistant District Attorney Caitlin Banks, with support from Administrative Assistants Tamara Clayton and Annabelle Carter, Victim-Witness Services Director Amy Reed, and Chief Investigator Christy Smith.

Rogers was sentenced to 10 years in prison without the possibility of parole, followed by 10 years of probation.

District Attorney Clayton M. Fuller issued a strong statement following the verdict:

“Here in Northwest Georgia, we stand firmly behind our law enforcement officers. You attack our officers, we’re coming after you. This conviction sends a clear message—violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated.”