A Savannah man has admitted guilt in federal court to illegally possessing a machine gun after a shooting incident at Oglethorpe Mall in July 2025. Aujawan T. Hymon, 21, faces up to 10 years in prison and up to three years of supervised release, along with significant financial penalties. The announcement was made by Margaret E. Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
There is no parole available in the federal system.
“This prosecution symbolizes our continued resolve to remove illegal firearms from our communities, and hold accountable those who would threaten the safety of law-abiding citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to make our streets and businesses safer.”
According to court records and Hymon's guilty plea, Savannah Police responded on July 2, 2025, to reports of gunfire at Oglethorpe Mall. Three people were injured during the exchange of shots, including Hymon himself. Surveillance footage showed Hymon carrying a pistol and later discarding it in a mall trash can. Investigators recovered the weapon—a .40-caliber Glock Model 22—which had not been fired by Hymon.
Technicians from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) found that the pistol was fitted with a "Glock switch," an illegal device that allows the firearm to fire automatically as a machine gun. In his plea agreement, Hymon acknowledged possessing the weapon and knowing it had been converted into a machine gun.
Hymon also faces state charges related to the shooting; other defendants involved have not been charged with federal crimes.
He remains in custody under the U.S. Marshals Service while sentencing awaits scheduling by Chief Judge R. Stan Baker after completion of a presentence investigation.
“The guilty plea in this case underscores our unwavering commitment to removing illegal firearms from our communities,” said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge at ATF’s Atlanta Field Division. “Together with our local and state partners, we are dedicated to ensuring public safety and holding accountable those who endanger it.”
The investigation is being conducted by the Savannah Police Department and ATF, with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Makeia R. Jonese.
