ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A 72-year-old Buncombe County man was sentenced Monday to at least 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to sex crimes involving a minor.

Carl Dennis Buckner entered guilty pleas to attempted statutory sex offense and indecent liberties with a minor in Buncombe County Superior Court before Judge Louis Trosch. He was sentenced to 144 to 233 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.

Buckner must register as a sex offender for 30 years and was ordered to have no contact with the victim for life.

The charges followed a February 2025 investigation by the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities arrested Buckner, then 71, after he confessed to the crimes.

Prosecutors said the victim’s rights were fully observed and that the victim agreed with the resolution of the case.