Man Sentenced To 48-73 Years After Johnston County Sex Crime Convictions

JOHNSTON COUNTY — A Johnston County jury convicted a 58-year-old man on multiple felony sex offenses involving a minor, concluding a weeklong trial that detailed years of abuse.

Paul Richard Yenchik was found guilty Feb. 23 of five counts of statutory sex offense against a person 13, 14 or 15 years old; five counts of indecent liberties with a child; two counts of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor; and one count of extortion, according to the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office.

Jurors heard testimony that over a period of years, Yenchik sexually abused a juvenile. The abuse came to light after Yenchik sent an email to the juvenile’s mother that included a nude photograph of the juvenile and threatened to release the image if the mother — his former girlfriend — did not reactivate his cellphone service, prosecutors said.

The mother reported the threat to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office. Yenchik was arrested May 2, 2024, in Largo, Florida.

Special Victims Unit prosecutor Caitlin Slavin represented the state. Following the guilty verdicts, Superior Court Judge Paul Ridgeway sentenced Yenchik to 48 to 73 years in prison.

District Attorney Jason Waller thanked jurors for their service and credited investigators for their work on the case.

“We are also grateful to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office and lead Detective Matt Dupree for a thorough investigation,” Waller said. “Most importantly, we all owe a debt of gratitude to the survivors of this case for the tremendous courage shown in coming forward and participating in this prosecution.”

Waller said his office remains committed to prosecuting sexual predators and seeking justice for survivors of sexual abuse.