CT man accused of sexually assaulting girl for almost a decade. He faces child exploitation charges

Federal authorities said investigators found videos and images of the sexual exploitation

A Manchester man faces federal charges after authorities say he sexually assaulted a girl for nearly a decade, often recording his sexual exploits.

Hernan Ayala, 32, appeared Thursday in federal court in Hartford to answer to one count each of sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.

Federal officials said the Manchester Police Department in March received a complaint alleging Ayala had been sexually assaulting a minor. The victim alleged that he had been sexually assaulting her for more than eight years and that he had recorded it on his cellphone, officials said.

Authorities searched Ayala’s Manchester residence the same day they learned of the allegations and seized a number of electronics, including his iPhone, according to federal officials.

An analysis of the phone allegedly turned up “numerous videos and images” of Ayala engaging in sexual conduct with the minor, officials said.

Ayala has been detained since he was arrested on state-level charges on March 9.

According to federal officials, the charges Ayala faces carry a minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 50 years.