Sullivan County Official Faces Sexual Battery Charges in North Carolina

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A Sullivan County commissioner found himself in legal trouble last month when he was arrested by the Asheville Police Department. Joe Carr, who serves as the District 9 commissioner, faced charges of sexual battery and intoxication/disruptive conduct.

The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to News Channel 11 that Carr’s arrest took place in the early hours of October 19. After spending a short time in custody, Carr was released on a $2,000 bond on October 21.

This incident has certainly cast a shadow over Carr’s role on the Sullivan County Commission, as he now has to navigate the legal implications of the charges against him.

The sheriff’s office reports Carr was released on a $2,000 bond on Oct. 21.

An arrest report from the police department stated Carr was arrested on Woodfin Street in Asheville at 2:51 a.m. on Oct. 19.

No narrative was attached to the police report detailing the events that led up to Carr’s arrest.

News Channel 11 reached out to Carr, who directed any inquiries to his attorney. Carr’s attorney, Doug Edwards, provided the following statement:

“Mr. Carr is innocent of the accusations made against him. We fully respect the judicial process, and are confident that once the facts are presented in a court of law, my client will be completely exonerated. We remind everyone that the presumption of innocence is not optional; it is a fundamental cornerstone of our justice system.

We are conducting our own investigation into this matter, and will aggressively challenge the allegations that have been made.

Mr. Carr remains focused on continuing to serve the people of Sullivan County with integrity.”

Doug Edwards, attorney for Joe Carr