CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — The man accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl who missed the school bus will not be getting out of jail.
Raymond Sookram, 42, was denied bond during a first court appearance at the Cherokee County jail on Friday afternoon.
Channel 2’s Courtney Francisco was in the courtroom as Judge Frank Starosto Jr. said because of Sookram’s charges, he cannot grant him bond.
“I would encourage you to not speak during the course of this hearing and allow your attorney to make all statements on your behalf,” said Starosto.
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Sookram is charged with aggravated child molestation, trafficking a person for sexual servitude and interference with custody.
Investigators say a teenage girl was walking to school on Thursday morning after missing the school bus.
She said a man driving a large truck along Hickory Road stopped and asked if she needed a ride, coaxing her into getting in the vehicle.
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He drove her to a location in Canton, sexually assaulted her and then dropped her off near the school, the teen said.
State business records connect him to a construction company called Sook Remodeling Group. Customers call him Ray online.
Court records show he has a criminal history dating back to 2019 when he pleaded guilty to drinking and driving.
Sookram remains in the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center.
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