Trenton man charged with sexual contact gets probation for contempt

TRENTON >> A Trenton man charged with having illegal sexual contact with a woman was put on probation.

Juan Ayala, 41, pleaded guilty to fourth-degree contempt and received two years of probation when he appeared for sentencing last week before Judge Darlene Pereksta. Prosecutors recommended the sentence as part of a negotiated plea agreement that resulted in the dismissal of counts of burglary, fourth-degree sexual contact and terroristic threats.

Mark Davis, Ayala’s attorney, told the court his client got wrapped up in a “tumultuous,” unhealthy relationship and was glad to be out of it. He said it was like having “a weight lifted off his shoulders.”

Ayala is originally from Puerto Rico and graduated from Trenton Central High School after moving to the capital city when he was 9 years old. He spent some time in jail after he was arrested and attended an outpatient program to deal with issues with alcohol and marijuana. He did not speak at sentencing.

This was Ayala’s first conviction in criminal court, though he was also convicted of contempt and harassment in family court, the judge said. Pereksta said there was a risk Ayala would reoffend based on those convictions, and another petty one in municipal court. But she added she felt Ayala would respond positively to probation rather than sending him to prison for up to 18 months for the fourth-degree conviction.

While he is on probation, Ayala must complete a domestic violence education course, meet regularly with his probation officer and he is not allowed to have contact with the victim, directly or indirectly.