Part 2: New Details Emerge – McMinnville Man Indicted in Alleged Child Exploitation Case

By Rebecca Wallis

McMinnville, OR – October 10, 2025

1st Article Originally published: October 9, 2025 | Updated in 2nd Article: October 10, 2025

Update: This article now includes verified information from the full indictment and courtroom remarks indicating the alleged conduct occurred over multiple years. See “Charges and Timeline” and “Court Proceedings” sections below. The PDF of the indictment is linked at the end of the article as well as the bond and release records with a very strong disclaimer. 

Secret Indictment Unsealed After Arrest

McMINNVILLE, Ore. — A McMinnville man has been arrested following a secret indictment returned by a Yamhill County Grand Jury, charging him with multiple felony counts related to alleged child exploitation and possession of illegal materials.

Paul Brenton Bachand, 50, was indicted on 13 counts, including 12 felonies and 1 misdemeanor. The indictment, which was sealed until his arrest, was filed October 1 and unsealed after he was taken into custody on October 3. His name and docket were initially redacted from public court records, and no case information appeared online at the time of his arraignment.

Charges and Timeline

According to the court documents, Bachand faces the following charges:

• 11 counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (Class B felonies)
• 1 count of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree (Class C felony)
• 1 count of Encouraging Sexual Assault of an Animal (Class A misdemeanor)

The indictment alleges that between 2019 and 2024, Bachand knowingly possessed and duplicated visual materials depicting acts of child sexual abuse. The materials allegedly involve multiple minor victims, both male and female, ranging in age from approximately 5 to 14 years old. The State claims that each count is based on a separate episode and that the acts were part of a common scheme or plan.

Court Proceedings and Judicial Orders

Bachand was arraigned on October 7 before Judge Ladd Wiles. His request for a court-appointed attorney was denied, with Judge Wiles noting:

“You have assets with which you could hire your own attorney… These are pretty serious charges. You definitely want to have legal representation. So, I can’t tell you who to hire, but I can just say hire somebody.”

Bachand posted bond the same week, with two transactions totaling $15,000 — one paid by debit and the other by what appears to be a credit card. Both payments were made by Emily Bachand, according to court payment records.

The court also amended the standard release agreement to include:

• No contact with minors
• No contact with animals
• No unsupervised internet use, with access allowed only for non-prohibited purposes and under supervision

Judge Wiles acknowledged the gravity of the case, stating:

“There’s potential child victims. This is alleged to have occurred over a number of years.”

Bachand is next scheduled to appear in court for a plea hearing before Judge Jennifer Chapman on November 13, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.

Business Connections

According to state records, Bachand is the registered agent and a member of RECIPE, LLC. He is also publicly associated with PINCH restaurant & bar, located downtown, though PINCH is not registered with the Oregon Secretary of State as of this report.

Presumption of Innocence

These are allegations only. Bachand remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Editor’s Note:

The indictment contains disturbing allegations involving minors. Yamhill County News is providing access to the document in the interest of transparency. Unlike many mainstream outlets that choose not to publish original court documents, Yamhill County News is committed to public accountability and open access to information. The indictment describes graphic and explicit allegations involving children between the ages of approximately 5 and 14, both male and female, in videos the defendant allegedly possessed or duplicated. Reader discretion is strongly advised. The descriptions in the indictment are among the most graphic and disturbing we have encountered in a public document. We urge readers to prepare themselves accordingly before opening the file.

[View the full indictment (PDF)]
[View bond and release records (PDF)]

Photo Credit: Yamhill County News file – Publicly available Facebook Page photo.