WILTON — A local man accused in April of selling crack cocaine was arrested early Wednesday after he was found in his attic with marijuana plants, according to a court document.

Dennis J. Ayala, 55, of Wilton appeared in court Wednesday on a felony charge of unlawful possession of a drug that contained fentanyl powder, according to the state’s complaint.

Additionally, Ayala was arrested on two misdemeanor charges of violation of conditions of release.

Ayala had been free on $5,000 cash bail related to his arrest last month on a felony charge of aggravated trafficking in crack cocaine.

Maine State Police, Wilton police officers and Maine Drug Enforcement agents executed a search warrant late Tuesday at Ayala’s residence on Temple Road after Wilton Police Chief Heidi Wilcox attempted to do a bail check earlier in the day but was told Ayala was not home, although his wallet and truck were at his residence, according to State Police Sgt. Mathew Casavant.

Ayala’s bail conditions include random searches for drugs and alcohol, including marijuana.

Ayala was found hiding in a corner of the attic, where marijuana plants were growing, Casavant said. Also found in the house were a jar of marijuana, two plastic containers of highly concentrated marijuana extract and a digital scale with white powder residue that tests indicated was fentanyl, according to police.

Ayala appeared via video from the Farmington jail Wednesday before Judge Charles Dow at Farmington District  Court.

Ayala’s lawyer, Margot Joly, said her client was not hiding, but sleeping. She also argued that Ayala’s bail conditions allowed him to use marijuana because he has a medical marijuana card.

Dow read bail conditions in court that ordered Ayala not use or possess alcohol, illegal drugs and marijuana, and that Ayala was subject to random searches and testing. 

Ayala is being held without bail on a state motion to revoke pre-conviction bail. A hearing has been scheduled for Friday.

Joly entered a denial on the motion to revoke and not guilty pleas to both violations of release conditions on Ayala’s behalf.

Dow set Ayala’s bail on the new charges at $3,000 cash bail.

dperry@sunmediagroup.net

Dennis Ayala (Franklin County Detention Center)