Ten-Time Convicted Felon, Who Fled From Girlfriend’s Violent Death, Pleads Guilty To Possessing Firearm

Orlando, Florida - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Albert Ayala (34, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Ayala faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. Sentencing has been set for August 21, 2024.

According to court records, Ayala was driving a vehicle on I-4 when his girlfriend, the sole passenger in the vehicle, was ejected from the car. The woman was struck by multiple vehicles, causing her death. Ayala continued driving and crashed the vehicle at the base of an I-4 exit. Ayala then fled the scene on foot, leaving behind a pistol and 11 rounds of ammunition in the vehicle. Ayala's DNA was located on the firearm and airbag that had deployed during the crash. At the time, Ayala had 10 prior felony convictions and therefore is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

Although the firearms offense falls under federal jurisdiction and was, accordingly, prosecuted in federal court, any investigation or prosecution related to [decedent's] death lies with state officials.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Orlando Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie A. McNeff.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.