Two U.S. Marshals Service Fugitives Arrested in DeKalb County

FORT PAYNE — The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office reports that two fugitives wanted by the United States Marshals Service were arrested in separate incidents in recent weeks with assistance from the DeKalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit.

According to Sheriff Nick Welden, the first arrest occurred on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, when members of the DeKalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit assisted deputy U.S. marshals at a residence on County Road 764 in Henagar. Authorities were attempting to apprehend Kyle Wyatt Martin, 20, of Henagar, who was wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service on a first-degree robbery warrant out of Calhoun County. Martin was also wanted on multiple felony warrants issued by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators said Martin fled the residence upon their arrival but was taken into custody following a brief foot pursuit. He was charged at the scene with attempting to elude and resisting arrest. Additional charges include possession with intent to distribute, unlawful possession of marijuana in the first degree, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Authorities stated Martin will be extradited to Calhoun County after his DeKalb County charges are resolved.

The second arrest occurred on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at a residence on Robin Hood Circle in Fyffe. The DeKalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit, working alongside deputy U.S. marshals, attempted to locate Jonathan Johnson, 25, of Cleveland, Tennessee. Johnson is a convicted sex offender and was wanted on an active warrant from Bradley County, Tennessee, for a SORNA violation.

Officials said Johnson refused to exit the residence, prompting the mobilization of the DeKalb County Special Response Team. After attempts to call him out were unsuccessful, SRT members entered the residence and took Johnson into custody without further incident. Johnson was charged with being a fugitive from justice and is currently being held at the DeKalb County Detention Center while awaiting extradition to Tennessee.

Sheriff Welden praised the cooperative efforts between agencies, stating he is grateful for the strong working relationship with the U.S. Marshals Service. He noted that collaboration between law enforcement agencies plays a critical role in ensuring fugitives are brought to justice.