The Mossos d’Esquadra have temporarily detained a cultural council member from Valls, a town in Tarragona, following reports linked to events that allegedly occurred in 2015. The individual in question, identified by sources as Mark Ayala, is connected to statements conveyed to Efe by people close to the case. The allegations concern sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 13, which reportedly took place more than a decade ago.
According to Mossos sources, Ayala, who also holds the role of Cultural Consultant, was taken into custody at approximately 8 p.m. yesterday. The timing reflects the ongoing investigation as authorities gather evidence and interview potential witnesses connected to the case.
Authorities have been careful to describe Ayala as the person under investigation for acts that would constitute crimes against sexual freedom, with the specific charge referencing conduct involving a minor under 16 years of age during 2015. At the time of the alleged incidents, Ayala would have been 27 years old, and the minor involved was reported to be younger than the age of legal consent. The details remain part of the judicial process and are subject to review as the case proceeds.
Following the arrest, Ayala spent the night in police custody as investigators prepared to present initial findings to the court. The case is moving forward in the Instruction Court No. 2, where officials are assessing the available evidence and determining the next steps in the proceedings tied to the Valls guard duties and related municipal responsibilities.
Ayala is identified as a member of the Junts municipal group and serves as the fourth deputy mayor of Valls City Council. His responsibilities include oversight of the district’s cultural life, education, and leisure activities. He also holds a role within the Tarragona Provincial Council, contributing to regional governance on cultural and educational matters.
In response to the developing situation, Valls City Council has canceled all press conferences scheduled for the day. While officials emphasize the presumption of innocence for all involved, they acknowledge that more details are likely to emerge as the legal process unfolds. City sources indicate that the pause in public briefings is intended to provide time for the authorities to clarify the facts and communicate responsibly with residents.
As part of the ongoing coverage, one of the municipal calls related to the upcoming Night of Museums—an event in which the detainee previously held a leadership role as Chief of Staff at the Valley Museum—has also been suspended. The incident has unsettled local cultural circles, prompting officials to reassess event planning, security measures, and the integrity of leadership positions within cultural institutions tied to the city and its surrounding region.
Observers are watching closely as the case advances through the courts. The focus remains on ensuring due process, safeguarding the rights of the accused, and protecting the safety and trust of the community. Jurisdictional authorities have indicated their commitment to transparency within the limits of legal procedures, while city residents await further information about the implications for municipal governance and cultural programming in Valls.
Analysts note that this incident highlights the delicate balance between civic leadership and personal accountability in local government. The case raises questions about safeguarding measures within cultural institutions, the mechanisms by which council members are vetted for public-facing roles, and how municipalities respond to serious allegations while maintaining public confidence. The evolving narrative will likely influence future discussions on governance, oversight, and safeguarding policies across similar municipalities in Catalonia and other regions.
Meanwhile, community members and cultural stakeholders are urged to remain patient as investigators work to establish a clear factual record. The emphasis in official statements remains on the rights of all parties and the importance of allowing the judicial process to unfold without prejudice. As more information becomes available, authorities are expected to outline the procedural steps and any implications for cultural programming, council operations, and the broader civic framework in Valls and beyond.
Attributed coverage from local and national reporting indicates that the case involves complex considerations around consent, age of legality, and the responsibilities of public servants in positions of cultural leadership. This event underscores the need for ongoing dialogue about safeguarding practices in municipal governance, the standards those practices must meet, and the support structures necessary to prevent harm within community institutions. In sum, the situation remains in a sensitive phase, with authorities, city officials, and residents awaiting further clarification while upholding the principle of innocence until proven otherwise.