ROCKINGHAM — A man convicted on misdemeanor charges earlier this year is now facing a felony rape charge.
A warrant taken out by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office alleges that 19-year-old Ethan David Hodges, of Rockingham, had intercourse with a female against her will on Jan. 7.
According to the warrant, issued April 16, the alleged victim in the case is under the age of 18.
Hodges is also accused of threatening to shoot a man with a gun on April 7. That warrant was issued the same day as the alleged incident.
Records show Hodges was arrested April 19 on charges of second-degree forcible rape and communicating threats.
He was booked into the Richmond County Jail where he was still being held April 25 on a combined $401,000 secured bond. His next court appearances are May 2 on the threat charge and May 8 on the rape charge.
One week after the alleged rape, Hodges was charged on four misdemeanor counts — carrying a concealed gun, simple possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance, possession of marijuana paraphernalia and resisting a public officer.
Online court records show Hodges pleaded guilty to each charge on Jan. 24.
However, that conviction is not reflected in records with the N.C. Department of Adult Correction.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
NOTE: This story has been updated to correct a typo in the bond amount. 7:12 p.m. 4-27-25
