KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — UPDATE July 30, 2021
A Knoxville man who raped a child multiple times over the course of several years was sentenced to 99 years in prison, according to a release from District Attorney Charme Allen’s office.
Robert Vernon Gouge, 47, was convicted of three counts of rape of a child, one count of attempted rape of a child and one count of aggravated sexual battery.
Judge Kyle Hixson gave the sentence after a hearing on Friday where prosecutors cited the necessity of a maximum sentence to protect this victim and other victims of child abuse, according to the DA's release.
At trial in April, prosecutors said that Gouge had known the child from an early age, according to the DA. Starting when the victim was 9 years old and continuing until she turned 12, Gouge raped and sexually assaulted the victim on multiple occasions.
The DA's office said the Department of Children’s Services learned of the abuse in April 2019 when the victim was 15. The Knoxville Police Department conducted interviews and arrested Gouge.
“The community is safer because of the bravery shown by this victim coming forward to testify against her abuser,” DA Charme Allen said. “No other child will be harmed by this offender.”
Original story
A Knoxville man has been convicted of raping a child repeatedly over several years.
Knox County Criminal Court jurors convicted Robert V. Gouge, 47, of three counts of rape of a child, one count of attempted rape of a child and one count of aggravated sexual battery, according to the Knox County District Attorney General's Office.
Gouge is to be sentenced on June 24. Judge Kyle Hixson will impose a sentence.
He faces a minimum term of 25 years without the chance for parole.
Gouge had known the child from an early age, according to the prosecution.
The state alleged Gouge's assaults on the victim started when the child was age 9 and continued until she turned age 12.
By April 2019, when the victim was 15, the state Department of Children's Services learned of the abuse. The Knoxville Police Department investigated and arrested Gouge.
Judge Kyle Hixson will impose a sentence.
According to Knox County District Attorney General Charme Allen's office, prosecutors will seek the maximum time allowed under the law for Gouge.
Rape of a child carries 25 to 40 years in prison without the possibility of parole. For Gouge, each aggravated sexual battery count means another potential eight to 12 years in prison, according to the DA's Office.