Murphy Man Sentenced to 29 Years for Child Sexual Assault

The following press release has been issued by Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.

Murphy , NC — Robert Andrew Defore, 41, of Andrews pled guilty to First Degree Forcible Sexual Offense in Cherokee County Superior Court presided over by the Honorable Gary Gavenus on November 13th, 2017. 

In August 2015, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a request from the Andrews Police Department to assist in a sexual assault investigation involving Defore and a minor child. Pursuant to that allegation a joint investigation was conducted which concluded with the arrest of Defore.

Judge Gavenus sentenced Defore to a maximum of 29 years in prison, and he will serve at least 20 years before he is eligible for release. Upon his release from prison, Defore will be monitored by a satellite GPS tracking system, he will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life, and he is prohibited from ever having contact with the victim.

“This conviction keeps a very dangerous child predator off the streets while he serves a lengthy prison sentence and send s a strong message to the community that the District Attorney’s Office places the highest priority on protecting our children. I commend all of the dedicated professionals who partner with the District Attorney’s Office to give a strong voice to our most vulnerable victims. Congratulations on a job well done”,  said District Attorney Ashley Welch.

Sheriff Palmer said, “Great teamwork by some very dedicated individuals. We echo District Attorney Welch’s sentiments and will continue to fight those who attempt to rob our youth of their innocence . ”

Sheriff Palmer encourages any one that has information on this crime or any other to report it. To report crime in Cherokee County you can call the anonymous tip line at 828-837-1344 or email a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or call 911 if you observe a crime in progress.