Manchester Man Sentenced To 29 Years in Prison For Federal Child Exploitation Offenses

MANCHESTER, CT — A Manchester man has been sentenced to 29 years in prison for what federal authorities say are "child exploitation offenses related to his sexual abuse of a minor."

David X. Sullivan, United States attorney for the District of Connecticut said Monday that, on Oct. 30, Hernan Ayala, 33, of Manchester, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 348 months of imprisonment, followed by 40 years of supervised release, for the offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2024, the Manchester Police Department received a complaint that a "minor female" had been sexually abused by Ayala. The girl told police that Ayala had engaged in sexual conduct with her for more than eight years, and that Ayala had recorded his sexual abuse of her on his cellphone, according to case records.

On that date, investigators searched Ayala’s residence and seized several electronic devices, including his iPhone. Analysis of the seized phone revealed numerous videos and images of Ayala engaging in sexual conduct with the minor victim.

Ayala has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on March 9, 2024. On July 8 of this year, he pleaded guilty in federal court to production of child pornography and possession of child pornography.