Defendant Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Narcotic Violations

LOS ANGELES – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) today announced that Jose Adelmo Ayala was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison on Sept. 26 by United States District Judge Steven V. Wilson. Ayala was arrested as part of a 2010 ATF investigation dubbed “Operation Temple Street,” and pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.

Ayala, 28, North Hollywood, was one of 12 suspects investigated during the ATF led investigation into illegal firearm and narcotic crimes in the area. During the course of the investigation, ATF was notified by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), that Ayala was suspected of being involved in the kidnapping of a 14 year old female in an unrelated investigation. The kidnapping investigation concluded with ATF and LAPD arresting Ayala in July 2010. Ayala was sentenced to life in prison for the kidnapping and aggravated assault charges in California State court in April 2011.

“The law abiding citizens of this community are safer because of Ayala’s sentencing, which will ensure the incarceration of a dangerous criminal for the rest of his life,” said John A. Torres, Special Agent in Charge ATF Los Angeles Field Division. “ATF and LAPD will continue to combat violent crime together to ensure the public’s safety.”

Ayala is the first of the 12 defendants from Operation Temple Street to be sentenced in both federal and state court. Eleven of the remaining defendants are being criminally prosecuted in state court for various firearm and narcotic violations.