Magic Valley Reacts To Lewd Child Abuse Plea From Business Owner

A recent guilty plea to sexual abuse of a minor by a longtime Twin Falls business owner has the southern Idaho community focusing its concerns and frustrations--and in a few cases support--to area social media websites.

The case against a 46-year-old Magic Valley man awaiting sentencing has become the topic of conversation in company break rooms across Twin Falls County and beyond. This week's guilty plea by Matthew Brander to two counts of child sexual abuse with a minor under the age of 16 also included the dismissal of three additional charges, according to details provided by KMVT/KSVT.

The reactions were swift on social media sites such as Meta, and ranged from support for the man's family to clear and present disgust. Brander first pled not guilty to the charges back in August of 2025.

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Locals React To Twin Falls County Man, Business Owner Pleading Guilty In Child Sexual Abuse Case

There have been multiple reactionary posts shared to social media pertaining to this development that I've personally read, and some in the community have voiced concerns for the safety of employees of the family's businesses, which include an espresso shop, a small bakery specializing in sweets, and a photography business, according to information online.

READ MORE: Twin Falls, ID, K-9 Retires After 8 Years With Massive Crime-Fighting Stats

If you, or someone you know, has been the victim of sexual abuse in Idaho, you can click here to find support.