Federal Charges Added To Manchester, Vernon Child Sexual Abuse Cases

MANCHESTER, CT — A Manchester man is facing federal charges amid accusations that he not only had a sustained sexual relationship with a child, but recorded it on several occasions. He has been in custody for more than two months on charges out of Manchester and Vernon related to the investigation.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States attorney for the District of Connecticut, Michael J. Krol, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations and Manchester Police Chief William Darby Friday announced that Hernan Ayala, 32, has been charged via a federal criminal complaint with "child exploitation" offenses.

Ayala appeared in Hartford federal court Thursday. He has been detained since his arrest on the related state charges on March 9.

According to federal court documents, in March 2024, the Manchester Police Department received a complaint that a "minor female" had been sexually abused by Ayala. The girl reported that Ayala had been having sexual contact with her for more than eight years, and that Ayala had recorded his actions on his cell phone, according to court documents.

Investigators searched Ayala's residence and seized several electronic devices, including his iPhone, Avery said. Analysis of the seized phone revealed numerous videos and images of Ayala engaging in "sexual conduct" with the girl, she said.

The federal complaint charges Ayala with sexual exploitation of children, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum prison term of of 15 years and a maximum term of 30 years; and with possession of child pornography, an offense that carries a maximum term of 20 years.

On March 9, Manchester police charged Ayala with two counts of second degree sexual assault and two counts of illegal sexual contact. His bond in the case is $500,000.

On April 17, first-degree possession of child pornography (50 or more depictions) and evidence tampering. His bond in that case is $500,000. He is due for an appearance in Hartford Superior Court on July 23 for the Manchester Charges.

Vernon police served Ayala a warrant the following day charging him with 20 counts of first-degree and fourth-degree sexual assault and 20 counts of risk of injury to a child and illegal sexual contact. His bond in the Vernon case is $500,000 and he is due back in Rockville Superior Court on those charges on July 19.

The girl is listed as 16 in Manchester arrest records, which would make her about 8 years old when the offenses began.

The offenses took place in both towns, according to law enforcement records.