Part 3: State Moves to Revoke Release; Court Sets April 2026 Trial in Bachand Case

by Rebecca Wallis

McMinnville, OR – December 19, 2025

1st Article Originally published: October 9, 2025 | Updated in 2nd Article with indictment subject matter warning: October 10, 2025

Not-Guilty Plea Entered on All Counts

Paul Brenton Bachand entered not-guilty pleas to all charges during a December 18 hearing, as a Yamhill County Circuit Court judge also set an April 2026 jury trial and scheduled a contested hearing related to an alleged violation of release conditions.

According to updated court records, the December 18 proceeding marked Bachand’s initial plea entry in the case.

State Seeks Revocation of Release

During the hearing, the state informed the court it had received a report alleging Bachand violated a condition of his release prohibiting unsupervised internet access. Prosecutors said the allegation prompted the filing of a motion seeking revocation of his release and contempt proceedings.

The prosecutor told the court the state considered pursuing an arrest warrant but elected instead to request a hearing on the alleged violation.

Defense counsel stated the report and motion had been received within the prior 24 hours and requested time to review the allegations with Bachand. Counsel asked that any hearing be scheduled with sufficient time to contest the claim.

Judge Cynthia L. Easterday scheduled a contested hearing for Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., allotting 30 minutes to address the alleged violation of release conditions.

Trial Date and Pre-Trial Schedule Set

The court also addressed trial scheduling in the case. A two- to three-day, twelve-person jury trial is scheduled to begin Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

A trial readiness hearing is set for April 7, 2026, at 3:30 p.m., and may be conducted by telephone. The court established a motions and discovery deadline of February 20, 2026.

Defense counsel indicated April was acceptable and estimated the trial would likely take two days, with a third day reserved if necessary.

Case Background

As previously reported by Yamhill County News, Bachand was indicted on 13 counts, including multiple Class B and Class C felonies and one misdemeanor. The indictment alleges the offenses occurred over multiple years and involved the alleged possession and duplication of illegal materials.

The indictment was returned by a Yamhill County Grand Jury on October 1, 2025, and remained sealed until Bachand’s arrest on October 3. He was arraigned on October 7, when the court imposed modified release conditions, including restrictions on contact with minors, animals, and internet use.

Additional Developments

Court records show that Emily Ann Bachand, Bachand’s wife, filed for dissolution of marriage in Yamhill County Circuit Court in November 2025. The divorce case remains pending as of this report.

Separately, PINCH restaurant & bar, a downtown McMinnville restaurant publicly associated with Bachand, is currently closed, according to observations at the location and public-facing information. State business registry filings for RECIPE, LLC, the entity associated with the restaurant, remain listed as active with the Oregon Secretary of State as of December 2025.

Presumption of Innocence

All charges against Bachand are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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