'Horrific Acts': Douglas County Man Convicted For Sodomizing, Assaulting Woman, DA Says

DOUGLAS COUNTY, GA — A Douglas County man was convicted for sodomizing a woman, assaulting her and hitting her with a stick so hard he broke her arm and broke two vertebrae in her spine, according to the Douglas County District Attorney's Office.

Earl Hagger was found guilty Thursday on charges of aggravated sodomy, aggravated assault and aggravated battery stemming from the attack, which happened Jan. 6, 2019.

Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to Grady Hospital Jan. 7, 2019 in regard to the reported assault. The victim said she was at Hagger's home when he started to get physical with her.

During the altercation, Hagger sodomized the victim, prosecutors said. As she tried to fight back, he started hitting her with a stick, causing extensive bruising and swelling — and broke her arm.

Several hours later, Hagger drove the victim back to her apartment in Atlanta, where she called 911 and was taken by ambulance to Grady Hospital. Doctors determined the victim also suffered from two broken vertebrae, which prosecutors said was sustained during the fight with Hagger.

Hagger testified on his own behalf at trial, and disclosed prior convictions for rape and aggravated sodomy. The jury deliberated for less than two hours before returning the guilty verdicts.

"While this verdict will not fully heal the victim, we believe this will be a stepping stone for her along this path. We appreciate the efforts of our law enforcement partners in the investigation of this case," Douglas County DA Dalia Racine said. "Our collaboration along with the victim's courageous testimony allowed us to secure a conviction for the horrific acts this victim had to endure."

Hagger's sentencing will be scheduled for a later date.