A Vernon man has been sentenced to three decades behind bars for sexually assaulting a minor for three years, officials said.
Hernan Ayala, 34, was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Friday for sexually assaulting a minor, according to the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice.
Ayala had pleaded guilty at Rockville Superior Court to first degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor.
An investigation by the Vernon Police Department revealed that from 2018 to 2021, Ayala had sexually abused a minor at his residence in Vernon beginning when the victim was 11 years old. Prior sexual abuse occurred beginning when the victim was 8 years old, police said.
Both the victim and her mother were present at Friday’s sentencing hearing, officials said. Both also provided the court with written letters describing how they were impacted by Ayala’s crimes.
Stephen Underwood can be reached at [email protected]