Redmond man accused of providing drugs to minors

A Redmond man accused of providing two 17-year-old employees with drugs and alcohol at his business has been released on bail.

According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Edward Rene Bales, 43 provided drugs and alcohol to minors who were working for him at his business, Caprese Cleaning in Redmond.

NewsChannel 21 spoke with the mother of one of the teens. She said when she found out, she confronted Bales, who then assaulted her.

Bales was arraigned Tuesday in Deschutes County Circuit Court on charges of harassment, coercion and delivering drugs to minors.

Bales pleaded with the judge, saying he is the sole bread-winner of the family, since his wife has to take care of their terminally ill daughter.

His bail was set at $25,000, and Bales was released after posting 10 percent of the amount, under the conditions that he cannot have any contact with the victims nor any other minors.

Bales is due back in court Thursday on the initial charges. His arraignment on a formal indictment is scheduled next Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.