Ronan resident Eddie Robert Cowen, 41, entered an Alford plea in District Court in Polson March 4 to abuse of a vulnerable person. In an Alford a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes the case based of state’s evidence.

Cowen and Donna Rochelle Vincent-Cowen, 66, were each accused of the abuse.

The plea agreement for Eddie Cowen comes with a joint recommendation of five years with the Montana Department of Corrections with all but time served suspended. The judge is not bound by the agreement.

According to court records, on June 12, 2025, the aunt of the alleged victim contacted law enforcement regarding her mentally disabled niece, identified only by the initials S.K. The aunt indicated that S.K. wanted to speak with the police.

Sgt. Brandon Smith with the Ronan Police Department learned that S.K. had escaped her home on Dayton Street S.W. and fled to St. Luke Hospital, where she was waiting for police.

S.K. told Sgt. Smith that she was terrified of the Cowens and did not want to return home due to allegations of abuse. She also indicated that Eddie Cowen threatened her with a shovel and that he held her to the ground by her throat and that she couldn’t breathe.

She described other forms of alleged abuse, which included being assaulted with a belt and having her finger bent back. She also explained her fear of clowns and said that Eddie Cowen wore a clown mask to frighten her.

A witness in the home corroborated S.K.’s story.

Judge Molly Owen set sentencing for Eddie Cowen on April 9. The case against Vincent-Cowen is pending, with a trial set for June 9.