Police: Assault, Extortion Charges in Pot Dispute

An Ashburn man was charged Tuesday after allegedly assaulting a victim who purchased narcotics from him in 2006.

The suspect claimed the victim, an adult male from Ashburn, owed him money from purchasing narcotics in 2006 and 2007. The two had several run-ins over the past several years, according to the suspect.

On Sept. 11, the suspect reportedly came into contact with the victim and assaulted him, later threatening to assault him again if the victim failed to pay him. The incident took place around 10 p.m. near the Louisa Drive/Ferncliff Terrace area in Ashburn.

Justin A. Ayala, 23, of Ashburn, was charged on Sept. 23 with extortion, misdemeanor distribution of marijuana, possession of marijuana and simple assault. He remains held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center on no bond.