In a recent development from Sullivan County, Tennessee, a local commissioner has found himself in legal trouble following an incident in Asheville, North Carolina. Joe Carr, who represents District 9 on the Sullivan County Commission, was apprehended by the Asheville Police Department in mid-October, facing charges of sexual battery and intoxication.

According to information provided by the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, Carr’s arrest occurred in the early hours of October 19, specifically at 2:51 a.m. on Woodfin Street in Asheville. The arresting officers charged him with sexual battery and a related charge of being disruptive while intoxicated.

Following his arrest, Carr was held briefly before being released on a $2,000 bond two days later, on October 21. The police report confirming his arrest did not include a detailed narrative, leaving the specifics of the incident that led to his charges unclear at this time.

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