Savannah Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Machine Gun After Mall Shootout

Savannah, GA — A Savannah man connected to a July 2025 shootout at a crowded shopping mall has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a machine gun, federal prosecutors announced.

Aujawan T. Hymon, 21, of Savannah, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to Illegal Possession of a Machine Gun, according to Margaret E. Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.

Hymon faces up to 10 years in federal prison, followed by up to three years of supervised release and possible financial penalties. Federal sentences do not include parole.

The charge stems from a July 2, 2025 shooting incident at Oglethorpe Mall, where Savannah Police officers responded after reports of gunfire.

Authorities said three people were wounded during the exchange of gunfire, including Hymon.

Investigators said witnesses and surveillance footage showed Hymon carrying a pistol during the incident. Video also captured him discarding the weapon in a trash can inside the mall.

Police later recovered the firearm, identified as a .40-caliber Glock Model 22.

Technicians with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) determined the gun had been modified with a “Glock switch,” an illegal device that converts a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic machine gun.

In his guilty plea, Hymon admitted that he possessed the weapon and knew it had been converted to fully automatic.

Authorities said Hymon does not appear to have fired the weapon during the shooting.

Hymon also faces state charges related to the shooting, along with other defendants who were not found to have violated federal law.

He remains in custody of the U.S. Marshals Service while awaiting sentencing. U.S. District Court Chief Judge R. Stan Baker will set a sentencing date after a presentence investigation is completed.

Federal officials say the case highlights ongoing efforts to remove illegal firearms from communities.

“This prosecution symbolizes our continued resolve to remove illegal firearms from our communities and hold accountable those who threaten the safety of law-abiding citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Heap.

The case was investigated by the Savannah Police Department and the ATF, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Makeia R. Jonese.