Translyvania County -- August 10, 2026: A Transylvania County man has been sentenced to more than three decades behind bars following a guilty plea to multiple statutory sex offenses involving a minor.
Robert Owen Couvillon, 68, of Lake Toxaway, was sentenced to 32 years in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of statutory sex offenses with a child 15 years of age or younger. The sentence was announced in an Aug. 10 news release from District Attorney R. Andrew Murray.
Details of the Investigation
The case began in July 2024 when deputies with the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office received a report alleging the sexual abuse of a 16-year-old female juvenile.
According to court records, the subsequent investigation revealed a pattern of routine physical, mental, and sexual abuse committed by Couvillon against the victim while she was between the ages of 13 and 16.
Key Case Highlights
Defendant: Robert Owen Couvillon, 68, Lake Toxaway, N.C.
Charges: Four counts of statutory sex offenses with a minor
Plea: Guilty
Sentence: 32 years in prison
Investigating Agency: Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office
Prosecuting Authority: Office of District Attorney R. Andrew Murray
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