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Former WXII anchor released from prison

Tuesday, May 19, 2009
(Updated 11:47 am)
By Lorraine Ahearn
Staff Writer

Former WXII-12 anchor Tolly Carr was released to his parole officer at 1 a.m. Monday from Camp Burton in McLeansville, a deputy superintendent said, after Carr served more than two years in a 2007 drunken-driving crash that killed a Winston-Salem chef.

The well-known former sports reporter, avoiding cameras in an unusual middle-of-the-night release, returned to his home in Greensboro, Assistant Superintendent Linwood Best said.

Carr, 34, pleaded guilty to felony death by motor vehicle in the crash in March 2007 that killed Casey Bokhoven, 26.

Carr was driving his pickup on First Street in Winston-Salem, lost control and hit Bokhoven, who was walking along a construction zone. The WXII anchor had been bar-hopping, and his blood-alcohol level was two to three times the legal limit, according to court testimony. Carr’s passenger was also seriously injured in the crash.

The former morning anchor, who declined requests for interviews, as did the victim’s family, said at his sentencing, “I should be the one who is dead.”

He will be required to make undisclosed restitution payments to the victim’s survivors beginning next May.

At the minimum security prison in McLeansville, Best said, Carr acquired no infractions and had “excellent” participation in self-help substance-abuse programs, a prison dog training program and a job as a library clerk.

“You wouldn’t have known he was an inmate, to be honest,” Best said. “He did his job.”

Carr had been allowed into the community on brief volunteer passes, including a speech on the dangers of drunken driving. But he had acknowledged at his sentencing that he could not bring back the life he had taken from his victim.

Casey Bokhoven worked at Forsyth Country Club, and at the time of his death, planned to attend culinary school.

As for Carr’s plans in rejoining the community, his defense attorney, Locke Clifford, told the Winston-Salem Journal that Carr is “wide open.”

But a return to television would likely be too controversial for any station, media expert Jill Geisler of the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Fla., told the Journal. Though Carr might find a role in raising awareness about drunken driving, his local celebrity status will be a double-edged sword.

“Tragedies like these take their toll first and foremost on the victims and their families,” Geisler told the Journal, “and then on the lives of those high-profile individuals who have committed them.”

Carr, leaving prison five hours earlier than the usual 6 a.m. release, indicated through his lawyer that he would refuse interviews, as did his parole officer.

Likewise, Bokhoven’s family did not wish to be interviewed.

“This is the first time I’ve mentioned his name in how long,” Sean Bokhoven, Casey’s brother, told the Journal. “It’s about Casey, for us.”

In the hours before Carr’s Ford F150 truck ran through a barricade, over a mound of gravel, went airborne and struck Bokhoven, according to court testimony, Carr had gone to three bars with his cousin and friends from the station.

Experts testified, he must have had the equivalent of 17 drinks, and friends saw him order beer, wine and martinis over the course of the night.

Besides the criminal case, Carr faced a civil lawsuit by the victim's family, which was settled.

The family also sued several bars that served Carr that night, and reached undisclosed settlements.

Contact Lorraine Ahearn at 373-7334 or lorraine.ahearn@news-record.com

Accompanying Photos

File photo (News & Record)

Photo Caption: Tolly Carr during a court hearing in 2007.

Comments

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Yoda

May 18, 2009 - 8:00 am EDT

This is good, but what about those that are in prison right now, that has the same charge and they are doing 20 years? The sentencing is so unfair. I personally know a man that's in prison right now for the same charge, first time drunk driving charge and he got 20 years. The thing is, his family isn't wealthy enough to buy him a reduce sentence like Tolly. There's people in prison right now that's been in for twenty years for a arm robbery charge, while those charged today for the same charge get out in 5-7 years. There is no fairness in the sentencing. Many are in prison with these inflated sentences because they couldn't afford a lawyer, they were at the mercy of court appointed lawyer's who work for the DA and all they do is plea their case and somehow think they did a person a favor. And they wonder why our prison are over flowing. How about releasing those with the same charge as Tolly and others who bought a less sentence. Lets be fair.

jsipe29

May 18, 2009 - 8:30 am EDT

This is such a typical knee-jerk reaction to people that just can't seem to live in a civilized society. Reduce the sentences of convicted criminals? Why not raise the sentences and take the descetion away from judges and have a structured sentence for crimes?

amoretta

May 18, 2009 - 11:34 am EDT

There has been a structured sentencing plan in NC since 1995. Everyone sentenced for crimes after 1995 get a predetermined sentence based on their prior criminal history, the level of the crime and the facts of the case. Judges do not have much discretion in sentencing anymore.

Yoda

May 18, 2009 - 3:23 pm EDT

Let first be clear, I know very well how the system works. I am part of the system (meaning I work in the system).

Having said that,

jsipe29 believe me my posting wasn't a knee-jerk reaction at all. I know what it takes to live in a civilized society, and if you're implying these other sentences I mentioned shouldn't be reduced, I don't think you understand how to or what it means to live in a civil society. If you would had bothered to read my post you would have seen NO WHERE did I suggest a criminal shouldn't be punished. I was speaking of those sentenced under the old law that are doing time on a 5-30 year sentence, while there are people being sentenced under the new law and walking home after doing a 5-7 year sentence for the SAME crime. I am saying if a 5-7 years sentence is a just punishment for arm robbery then turn the one's lose that have already been in prison for that amount of time.

Now, as to prior criminal history having anything to do with sentencing is hoop-la. That maybe what they say but my friends that isn't the whole truth. At 19 years old ( I am almost 60 now) I faced a 5-30 year sentence for arm robbery and had NEVER been in trouble before. I was told by my court appointed lawyer I would do the whole 30 years. (by the way I was turned loose because I was innocent) And sense I have been working in the system, the history doesn't always mean a thing, like the lack of history had anything to do with my sentencing had I been guilty. And judges do have a lot of discretion in sentencing, more than the public knows. If you think that isn't so, take a person that's been in prison for awhile hire him or her a good lawyer and watch how they wait for a certain judge to be the one making the decision and that certain judge will over ride the other judge's decision. It happens all the time.

amoretta, that structuring sentencing isn't the same across the board. I personally know a man that's doing a 20 year sentence for the SAME crime as Tolly did. His crime was under the NEW law not the old. His family couldn't afford a high dollar lawyer like Tolly's did, he was stuck with a court appointed lawyer that got him a 20 year sentence and it was the first time this man ever had a drunk driving charge. It's clear you might not understand the criminal justice system and if your correct (and I don't think you are) you would be hard pressed to convince the man I am speaking of that his sentence was as fair as Tolly'

reader276

May 18, 2009 - 4:34 pm EDT

Yoda, YOU'RE (as in the contraction, bringing the two words YOU and ARE together as one) probably just one of the reasons the "system" doesn't work that well. If you do have some kind of degree, I hope the school in question got a commencement speech out of it, at least. NOWHERE is one word, and maybe is, too...but I think you were trying to say "may be", as in: "it MAY BE obvious to the rest of us you are full of something, but I believe you are truly oblivious to that notion." You REALLY are involved in the legal system, dude? Can I, like, vote some way to get you out? If what you claim to be is true, shame on our government for putting the lives of so many in the hands of someone who couldn't win a grade school spelling bee. I'm a little (not much, but enough to complain) dumber now than I was when I woke up this morning, and I think it's because I've been reading your posts. The fictional character you derive your (YOUR, because now it's possessive) name from has a better grasp of proper grammar. Sad, that is...but so is a fifty-something Star Wars-geek fixing the copiers at the Hall of Justice. I'll bet when you heard they called it that, you were looking for Superman and Wonder Woman for weeks, weren't you?

Yoda

May 18, 2009 - 5:26 pm EDT

Please, spare us the English lesson and stick to the reason for these post. I've seen so many times people when revert to ad hominem instead of staying with the reason for the post. It says a lot about their ability to stay focused, it's my understanding there are meds that will help with this. Please don't be so hard on yourself about being dumb, some people are just born that way. Most of the time people don't know it, until the person opens their mouth and speaks.

reader276

May 18, 2009 - 5:53 pm EDT

You mean like YOU just did. Go back to your comic books. The copier is working.

By the way, when they tried to get you for armED robbery, was the weapon in question a lightsaber by any chance?

Panacea

May 18, 2009 - 9:27 pm EDT

So . . . your response to Yoda is a lecture on bad grammar and nothing else?

Pitiful.

amoretta

May 18, 2009 - 4:58 pm EDT

Yoda, I am sorry about your legal troubles. Before 1995, judges did have a large amount of discretion in sentencing. In 1995, structured sentencing was enacted across NC to level out the sentences from county to county and judge to judge. I do not yet work in the criminal justice system. However, I do have a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Guilford College, paralegal certification from Guilford College and recently participated in the Guilford County Sheriff's Office Citizen's Academy. In each of these courses of study, I learned of structured sentencing. I would be glad to share the sentencing chart with you. Prior convictions determine which level the offender will be sentenced. This prior history takes into consideration each and every crime, DWI or not, that the offender has been convicted of in the past. So someone could be sentenced to 20 years for his/her first DWI if he/she has a bunch of other felony offenses in the past.

Yoda

May 18, 2009 - 5:53 pm EDT

amoretta, thank you for your post, I can't give a lot of information about myself, I hope you can understand that. Having said that. I am in a position where I can see the criminals records and their sentencing and I assure you while the level you speak of is correct, the persons past having anything to do with the amount of time is in question. I have seen where a persons past had very little if anything to do with their sentencing in comparison to someone else's past who had the same crime. I have seen where people get more time with less of a criminal past than those that had or have a long history. And in most cases it had to do with who the lawyer was. Again in this case and many others, (As to Tolly the person, it doesn't matter) I have seen where a person with the same crime and no more than a past record, got 20 years. I am simply saying if what Tolly got was just, then those with the same crime and past should get the same. And that is not happening.

reader276

May 18, 2009 - 5:56 pm EDT

Any moron with Internet access can view someone's criminal history OR sentencing...and with that being said, I give you Yoda.

Yoda

May 18, 2009 - 6:33 pm EDT

Let me help you Any moron I mean reader276, don't be giving your name out over the Internet. It isn't safe.
As to a person getting information on a prisoner that's true to the extent that all one can see is what the State allows them to see. A person can't see the details of the cases. Which is what I am speaking about when it comes to their past. That information is only seen by, well enough said.

reader276

May 18, 2009 - 7:03 pm EDT

Yeah, Yoda...best keep that mouth shut, or the Clerk of Court will be looking for a new janitor. Yeah, what I said IS true. That's the difference between me...and you. Write that down.

Panacea

May 18, 2009 - 9:24 pm EDT

Yoda is correct in complaining the system isn't fair. It's not. Numerous studies show that race definitely plays a role in sentencing.

But the new law didn't order changes in sentencing for old inmates. Just because the law changes, doesn't mean they get a free pass to a reduced sentence.

However, I also agree that many inmates get too much time compared to what they did. Prisons don't rehabilitate, they just produce more violent career offenders. I know: I worked as a correctional nurse for 3 years and watched the revolving door of justice spin non stop.

That's why I support things like the drug courts, though Carr deserved prison time--after all, he killed a man.

If he gets another DUI, they should lock him up and make him do all his time. If not, then he has a chance to become a productive citizen again. It's going to be tough on him with a felony record, and I doubt he'll ever anchor again.

Not trying to imply I'm forgetting the victim. I'm not.

Long prison terms should be reserved for the most violent offenders.

vhoward

May 19, 2009 - 11:34 am EDT

Just curious if arm robbery accompanies body robbery or if it was just an arm? Was it a manequin or a person?

mike_gso

May 18, 2009 - 11:33 am EDT

Lady Justice, unfortunatley, is not blind. She has her hand out for money, and those who can't pay will usually suffer the most. It's just the way it is. Try getting just a simple traffic ticket. If you have money, you'll get a lawyer and the infraction (most of the time) greatly reduced or thrown out . But if you can't afford an attorney, then you pay dearly. In this country, "justice" is for the rich.

jsipe29

May 18, 2009 - 5:58 pm EDT

yoda,

First of all, nobody in this state got 20 years for DWI. There had to be more to it than that. Was he/she on probation for another crime? Was there aggrevated factors involved in the conviction? Give me a break. I have heard of the trauma placed on victims of armed robberies, including one where the animal stuck a gun to a 10 year old little girl and took her $7during a robbery. I've seen families that lost love ones becouse some animal murdered them becouse they needed a "fix". Just keep on enjoying your kool aid and maybe that armed robber will move into your neighborhood.

Yoda

May 18, 2009 - 6:47 pm EDT

jsipe29, I never said a person got 20 years for DWI, I said, I know a man that got 20 years for doing the same thing Tolly did, that would be, hit and killed someone while drunk driving.
As to your sarcasm, FYI our little brother was shot and killed by a murderer and our dad was hit and killed by a drunk driver. So before you start with your mean spirited scarcasm try reading the post. I have nothing else to say to you or reader276

jsipe29

May 18, 2009 - 7:18 pm EDT

I personally know a man that's in prison right now for the same charge, first time drunk driving charge and he got 20 years.

YOU wrote this. NOT ME.

Yoda

May 18, 2009 - 8:01 pm EDT

This can't be that hard, gheesh! here's what was said in response to Tolly serving time for killing a man while drunk driving and getting out.

Here it is: Quote: This is good, but what about those that are in prison right now, that has the same charge and they are doing 20 years? The sentencing is so unfair. I personally know a man that's in prison right now for the same charge, first time drunk driving charge and he got 20 years. Unquote

"This is good" is talking about the release. "but what about those that are in prison right now, that has the same charge and they are doing 20 years?" this is talking about those in prison for the same thing Tolly was in prison for and got more prison time. and how it's unfair.

"I personally know a man that's in prison right now for the same charge, first time drunk driving charge and he got 20 years". Here I said a man in prison right now for the same charge, same charge as who? Here's where you really need to have that thinking cap on children, the who is who this story is about and what he was charged for He was charged with a drunk driving crash and killed a chef while drunk driving. Now that wasn't hard was it children? Just a little thinking is all that is required, no need to take things out of context.

lwwilli

May 18, 2009 - 8:25 am EDT

Yoda: I totaly agree with what you said. Our courts are not evenly and justly giving equal centances to those that do the same crimes. Tony should have gotten a stiffer prison term just like those that don't have money to hire a good lawyer.

reader276

May 18, 2009 - 9:48 am EDT

Hey lwwilli..who is "Tony"? Everybody and their grandma knows who Tolly Carr is by now. If you didn't see him on TV every day, you more than likely ran into him out in a bar somewhere at one time or another. I live in the Triad 8 months out of the year and I can remember when this was all the town could talk about...2 years ago. The sad thing is that over here in Forsyth County, our news media is such a joke that we aren't really aware of what's going on around here until it gets over to G'boro (or down to Charlotte) and comes back in a format that doesn't cater to people who live in caves. The Journal AND WXII tried to sneak this one in on Friday when no one was listening...imagine that. People are so misinformed here that, on the day after these events occurred, someone here actually asked me if we have trolley cars running that late at night, because they heard that one hit some guy on first street the night before. NO LIE. Actually happened. The fact that Tolly got off so easy goes to show that we pander to the celebrity of the professionals (sic) that deliver this fodder to us on a daily basis. Anyone who has frequented the downtown bar scene in Winston over a period of time prior to this tragedy KNOWS that it wasn't a "one-time-deal" for Tolly...he just happened to mow over an innocent bystander that time. My heart goes out to the Bokhovens who are surely still dealing with their loss.

thestatelottery

May 18, 2009 - 10:52 am EDT

This is a sad day considering I was friends with Casey and followed this all very closely. I was in court the day of the sentencing. It's incredible that Carr took the life of an innocent bystander when he was driving down a street that was closed due to construction. I hope he has learned his lesson and lives everyday with a sense of shame/regret for what he did. Also, for those who say others should be released is 2 years long enough for someone who killed someone else? Think about that.

PEarle

May 18, 2009 - 11:21 am EDT

Tolly, welcome back to the community! We all make mistakes, some worse than others, and you've paid dearly or yours. We need you back at any of the TV stations in the area, but particularly at Channel 2. I hope they can see that as well. Best of luck!

Beanhead

May 18, 2009 - 11:32 am EDT

Oh gosh...Please don't tell me a TV station would re-hire a convicted felon! I agree that 2 year jail time in exchange for killing a young man is not satisfactory. However, I do see that he will be making restitutions of an undisclosed amount. Hopefully, between this and I imagine the difficulty that trying to get a job and fitting back into society would have on Tolly would add up to more justice.

He is a young man who seems contrite and hopefully affected by his actions. I dont want to see him spend 20 years in jail so I think you have to look at his on-going issues that would occur from his actions and the jail time.

thestatelottery

May 19, 2009 - 2:12 pm EDT

You are obviously a heartless person to say what you just said. I wish Casey's brother could spit on you right now.

Beanhead

May 19, 2009 - 5:33 pm EDT

Why would you say I was heartless? I agreed that 2 years is NOT satisfactory. However, he was released whether we like it or not. I was assessing the entire situation including restitution and the difficulty that would come from his background and saying that by being released he is not just free w/o repercussions. Again, getting back into society with a record cannot be easy or w/o complications.

Make no mistake, I do not feel sorry for Tolly just observing that his actions will follow him the rest of his life. No need to wish someone would spit at me.

amoretta

May 18, 2009 - 11:30 am EDT

First of all, it is McLeansville, not McCleansville. Secondly, Tolly Carr did not get out early or get special treatment because he worked on television. NC has structured sentencing, which gives a minimum and a maximum sentence. No matter who is sentenced he/she must do the minimum sentence. If he/she misbehaves in prison, he/she may have to stay longer, up to the maximum sentence. People need to understand the criminal justice system.

Nsurancelady

May 18, 2009 - 11:40 am EDT

20 years is too harsh! I personally know someone that had a 2nd DWI charge he only got 7 days on the farm. 1 year driver license revoked, and a slap on the wrist.

JustLookin

May 18, 2009 - 12:04 pm EDT

Good grief Lorraine...you've been here long enough to know how to spell McLeansville properly.

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