Suspect Charged With Statutory Rape And Extortion

JOHNSTON COUNTY – A Florida man has been extradited to North Carolina to stand trial on multiple charges.

Paul Richard Yenchik Jr., of Largo, Florida was formally charged May 24, 2024 with five counts of statutory rape, five counts of taking indecent liberties with a child, two counts of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, and one count of extortion.

On March 3, 2024, the victim, who is now an adult, reported they were assaulted by Yenchik, at a location in Johnston County, approximately 10 years ago. At the time of the alleged sexual assaults, the victim was a juvenile. Yenchik is also accused videotaping the assaults when they occurred a decade ago.

Earlier this year, Yenchik allegedly contacted the victim and threatened to release the sexually-explicit videotapes if the victim did not meet certain demands.

After the alleged threat was made, the victim notified authorities of the extortion attempt, along with the alleged sex crimes that happened 10 years ago.

Yenchik was arrested in Florida and returned to Johnston County where he is being held in the Johnston County Detention Center under a $5 million secured bond. Following a first court appearance, the 56 year-old man was granted a court appointed attorney.