‘Gay Prey Bandit’ Found Guilty of Robbing Victims Found Online
By Adam Popescu, 10/20/2011
He’s been called the “Gay Prey Bandit” for trolling the online classified website, Craigslist, where he found gay male victims looking for sex, and later robbed them at gunpoint.
The suspect, Angel Pena Ayala, is shown during questioning with Det. Mick Gaglia, of the Hermosa Beach Police Department. (photo courtesy of the Hermosa Beach P.D.)
Angel Pena Ayala, 25, a reputed member of the White Fence gang, targeted gay victims in West Hollywood, Hermosa Beach, Bell Gardens and Los Angeles. Ayala was found guilty of 12 felony charges last Friday, including first-degree robbery, carjacking, kidnapping for carjacking, kidnapping to commit a robbery, first-degree burglary, escape by force or violence, and dissuading a witness from reporting a crime.
The charges stemmed from a 20-day robbery spree in 2010. Already on parole for carjacking, Ayala confessed to crimes in Hermosa Beach at the time of his arrest.
Now facing several life sentences, Ayala is now eligible for the three strikes rule and will never “walk as a free man out of prison, ” Deputy District Attorney Ethan Milius said.
Law enforcement officials believe more victims exist; but because of the nature of the crimes, it is possible that many did not report them to police.
Victims who wish to come forward are encouraged to call West Hollywood Sheriffs at (310) 855-8850.
