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Name:
Awulonu, Sunny
Date of Booking:
04/24/2025
Reason(s) For Booking:
STATUTORY RAPE
CONTRIBUTING TO DELINQUENCY OF MINOR – FELONY
THEFT BY RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY- FELONY
CRIMINAL USE OF AN ARTICLE WITH ALTERED ID MARK (OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLE)
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
On 04/24/25, at approximately 0123 hours, S/Cpl Smith and I were conducting a two-man, targeted patrol, around Wedgewood Apartments ([900 BLOCK] Charles C Fraser Blvd). This patrol was due to the increase crime of entering auto’s, vehicle thefts, and firearms stolen from vehicles. During this patrol we were using an unmarked vehicle and were checking the residential areas.
While patrolling in the area of Wedgewood Apartments, S/Cpl Smith and I observed a silver sedan (GA Tag [REDACTED], 2021 Hyundai Elantra) that was backed into a parking spot with its running lights on. We circled the area and after a few minutes we noticed that the vehicle was still parked, and nobody appeared to have gotten out of it. S/Cpl Smith and I dismounted from our patrol vehicle, and walked up from behind the vehicle where we noticed it was still running.
S/Cpl Smith and I stood approximately four to five feet from the vehicle when we noticed the vehicle rocking from side to side slightly. Once S/Cpl Smith shined a flashlight through the rear driver’s side window, we observed what appeared to be naked man along with another individual, having sexual intercourse. S/Cpl Smith knocked on the window to gain the attention of the occupants of the vehicle. Once our presence was known, Mr. Sunny Awulonu, the male rolled his window down. S/Cpl Smith explained our presence to Mr. Awulonu and advised it was not the best place to conduct sexual intercourse as it was parking lot in view of the public. At the time the window was rolled down, I detected the odor of marijuana coming from within the vehicle.
Mr. Awulonu acknowledged that he should not be conducting sexual acts in a car, that was in a public parking lot. Without asking, a female emerged from the vehicle and appeared to be frantic as she made phone calls. She walked to the rear of the vehicle and S/cpl Smith went to make contact with her as he was gathering both parties’ information.
Mr. Awulonu was unable to produce an identification card, but he provided his name to officers. S/Cpl Smith then asked the female for her information. The female provided a name of [JUVENILE #1] and when S/cpl Smith asked her how old she was, she stated she was 14 years old. Mr. Awulonu was then asked his age, and he stated he was 19 years old.
Mr. Awulonu was asked to step out of the vehicle and detained in handcuffs. Additional units arrived on scene to assist. Both parties were separated in different vehicles. [JUVENILE #1] made an open statement explaining that she just met with Mr. Awulonu so they could “smoke” marijuana and that they were not planning on having sex.
The Detective’s Division was notified of the incident and responded to the scene.
Wedged between the driver’s seat and center console, I observed a black handgun in plain view before I started searching the vehicle in reference to the odor of marijuana. The handgun was secured from the vehicle and when I inspected the serial plate attached to the frame of the pistol, I noticed it was etched off, appearing to have been intentionally damaged in an attempt to conceal the serial number. There was a second serial number along the slide of the pistol that also had marking along it, as if someone tried to scratch it off as well.
The serial number (T642919U13849) that was readable along slide was ran through Central Dispatch. Central Dispatch advised the gun, Stoger 9mm, was stolen out of Long County Sheriff’s Office. Central Dispatch also advised that the gun was stolen from a vehicle.
A search of the vehicle resulted in green leafy nuggets located through the driver area of the vehicle, also within the vehicle, a digital scale was recovered. On the digital scale, a green leafy substance was apparent. All green leafy substances appeared to be consistent with marijuana.
All evidence was secured by Detective Santiago and later processed into an evidence locker.
Mr. Awulonu was placed under arrest, transported to the Hinesville Police Department, and interviewed by Detective Santiago. Mr. Awulonu was transported to the Liberty County Jail after the interview with Detective Santiago and he was charged with the following offense: Statutory Rape (OCGA 16-6-3), Theft By Receiving Stolen Property(OCGA 16-8-7), Criminal Use of An Article with An Altered Identification Mark (OCGA 16-9-70), Criminal Attempt (OCGA 16-4-1), Possession of Drug Related Objects (OCGA 16-13-32.2), and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor (OCGA 16-12-1)
[JUVENILE #1]’s mother, Ms. [REDACTED] was notified of the incident and responded to the Hinesville Police Department to take custody of her daughter. [JUVENILE #1] was transported to the Hinesville Police Department and released to the custody of her mother. Ms. [REDACTED] signed a Juvenile Complaint form for Criminal Attempt (OCGA 16-4-1), Unruly Juvenile (15-11-2(11), and Curfew Violation (City Ord 12-219). She was also briefed of the full incident by S/Cpl Smith.
The registered owner of the Hyundai Elantra, [REDACTED], was given a courtesy ride to collect his vehicle.
Warrants will be applied for in the allotted time.
[End of Narrative]
The information below reflects all details available at the time of publication and was obtained directly from the official court database accessible to the public. Court records are subject to change at any time at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors, omissions, or discrepancies within the docket. No information provided should be construed as legal advice or opinion. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case History:
5/1/25
FIRST APPEARANCE
What this means: This was the defendant’s first court appearance after being arrested or charged. At this hearing, the judge informed the defendant of the charges and addressed bond and release conditions.
5/1/25
ORDER BOND $11,500 OR PROPERTY BOND $23,000
What this means: The judge set bond at $11,500 in cash or surety or allowed a property bond valued at $23,000. This means the defendant could post the required amount in money or use property as collateral to be released from custody.
5/1/25
SPECIAL BOND CONDITIONS
What this means: The judge placed specific rules on the defendant while out on bond. These conditions could include restrictions such as no contact orders, travel limits, or avoiding new charges.
5/1/25
INCIDENT REPORT
What this means: An incident report related to the case was filed or entered into the court record. This document usually contains the officer’s written account of what happened during the alleged incident.
5/5/25
DEFENSE ENTRY OF APPEARANCE VIRGINIA PURDEE
What this means: On this date, an attorney Virginia Purdee officially filed paperwork stating that they represent the defendant. From that point forward, the attorney would receive court notices and handle the case on the defendant’s behalf.
5/9/25
CASH BOND ($13,050)
What this means: A cash bond in the amount of $13,050 was paid for the defendant’s release. Once posted, the defendant was allowed to remain out of custody while the case moves forward, as long as bond conditions are followed.