North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Production of Child Pornography

According to a Department of Justice press release from April 28, 2021, a North Carolina man pleaded guilty to production of child pornography. Raul Ayala Jr., 72, admitted to molesting minors going as far back as the 1970s. Following this admission, police executed a warrant to search Ayala’s home, where they found child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on multiple digital devices.  

Police also found a briefcase in Ayala’s attic containing CSAM and pictures of nude minor children. One of the victims, now in his 60s, was identified by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and disclosed that Ayala sexually abused him starting when he was 8 years old.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division said of the crime, “This prosecution resulted from the successful collaboration of diligent federal and local law enforcement officers in their efforts to pursue justice for children, regardless of the passage of time. Ayala committed egregious offenses for decades and his successful prosecution ensures that he now faces a sentence of no less than 15 years. The Department of Justice is committed to tirelessly tracking down and pursuing the prosecution of defendants like Ayala who victimize the most vulnerable members of our society.”

Ayala faces up to 30 years of imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum term of 15 years of imprisonment, and restitution. Upon release from prison, Ayala will be required to register as a sex offender.

Special Agent in Charge Ronnie Martinez of HSI’s Charlotte Field Office said, “As disturbing as these child sex abuse cases are, HSI is determined to prevent and punish those who sexually abuse innocent children. Working together with our partners in the Fuquay-Varina Police Department and the Hartnett County Sheriff’s Office, these cases can be investigated thoroughly and expeditiously so children can continue to be rescued. There is nothing more meaningful than locating, identifying, and rescuing child sex abuse victims.”