David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, has announced that Hernan Ayala, 33, from Manchester, pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court to child exploitation offenses. Ayala waived his right to be indicted and admitted to charges related to the sexual abuse of a minor.
Court documents reveal that in March 2024, the Manchester Police Department received a complaint regarding Ayala's sexual abuse of a minor female. The victim reported that Ayala had been involved in sexual activities with her for over eight years and had recorded these acts on his cellphone. Following this report, investigators searched Ayala's residence and confiscated several electronic devices, including an iPhone. The phone contained numerous videos and images showing Ayala engaging in sexual conduct with the minor.
Ayala pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, which could result in up to 10 years imprisonment, and production of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and could lead to up to 30 years imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for September 30 by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver.
Since his arrest on state charges on March 9, 2024, Ayala has been detained.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), along with the Manchester Police Department, Glastonbury Police Department, and Connecticut Center for Digital Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Nancy V. Gifford is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan expressed gratitude towards the State’s Attorney’s Offices for Hartford and Tolland Judicial Districts for their cooperation.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood Initiative by the U.S. Department of Justice aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
Reports of child exploitation can be made at www.cybertipline.com.
