Father Indicted For Child Neglect Of Deceased Son Dane
- 10/30/25
On October 16, 2025, a Lincoln County Grand Jury returned a Secret Indictment charging 40-year-old Aaron Paulsen with one count of Child Neglect in the Second Degree. The indictment results from an extensive investigation by Lincoln County’s Major Crime Team, led by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, into the disappearance of Paulsen’s 2-year-old son, Dane, in March 2025.
The Lincoln County Grand Jury consists of 7 residents picked randomly through the Lincoln County Circuit Court process of jury service. The Grand Jury is responsible for listening to and evaluating testimony to determine whether the evidence is such that it would warrant a conviction by a trial jury. The Grand Jury also has the authority to request additional evidence or direct further investigation. After deliberating and voting privately, a Grand Jury returns a true bill charging an individual with a crime only if at least five out of seven jurors determine there is sufficient evidence to warrant a conviction.
In Paulsen’s case, testimony and evidence regarding the death of Dane Paulsen was presented to the Grand Jury on October 16, 2025. After listening to the evidence, the Grand Jury deliberated and chose to indict Paulsen with one count of Child Neglect in the Second Degree. The District Attorney’s Office then prepared the indictment for signature. Based on the Grand Jury Indictment, the Lincoln County Circuit Court issued an arrest warrant for Paulsen. Paulsen was subsequently cited and released by Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Paulsen is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on Monday, November 3, 2025.
Due to this being an open criminal prosecution, the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office will not release additional information at this time. Please contact DA Jenna Wallace at jwallace@co.lincoln.or.us with any questions.
Father Indicted For Child Neglect Of Deceased Son Dane
- 10/30/25
On October 16, 2025, a Lincoln County Grand Jury returned a Secret Indictment charging 40-year-old Aaron Paulsen with one count of Child Neglect in the Second Degree. The indictment results from an extensive investigation by Lincoln County’s Major Crime Team, led by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, into the disappearance of Paulsen’s 2-year-old son, Dane, in March 2025.
The Lincoln County Grand Jury consists of 7 residents picked randomly through the Lincoln County Circuit Court process of jury service. The Grand Jury is responsible for listening to and evaluating testimony to determine whether the evidence is such that it would warrant a conviction by a trial jury. The Grand Jury also has the authority to request additional evidence or direct further investigation. After deliberating and voting privately, a Grand Jury returns a true bill charging an individual with a crime only if at least five out of seven jurors determine there is sufficient evidence to warrant a conviction.
In Paulsen’s case, testimony and evidence regarding the death of Dane Paulsen was presented to the Grand Jury on October 16, 2025. After listening to the evidence, the Grand Jury deliberated and chose to indict Paulsen with one count of Child Neglect in the Second Degree. The District Attorney’s Office then prepared the indictment for signature. Based on the Grand Jury Indictment, the Lincoln County Circuit Court issued an arrest warrant for Paulsen. Paulsen was subsequently cited and released by Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Paulsen is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on Monday, November 3, 2025.
Due to this being an open criminal prosecution, the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office will not release additional information at this time. Please contact DA Jenna Wallace at jwallace@co.lincoln.or.us with any questions.
