Representative Johnnie Bolin Fined For Traffic Accident That Killed Three

Prosecutor Stevan Dalrymple says "the system rarely holds relief" in explaining why a state representative won`t go to trial for a traffic crash that killed three people. Yesterday, Dalrymple agreed to a deal that will allow state Representative Johnnie Bolin to pay a 100-dollar fine plus costs to bring the case to an end. Dalrymple said he had to drop negligent homicide charges for the February 2003 crash after a judge wouldn`t allow testimony from the state`s expert. Under the deal, the Democrat from Crossett pleaded no contest Tuesday in Jefferson County Circuit Court to careless and prohibited driving, a traffic violation. In addition to the 100 dollars, Bolin must pay 150 dollars in court costs and a 50-dollar sheriff`s fee. The crash occurred when Bolin lost control on an overpass on an icy Interstate 530 on February 25th, 2003. He went into the median and hit three motorists who were already stranded. The victims were 23-year-old April Weeks of Star City, 25-year-old Shawn Albert Storz and 22-year-old Angela Brooke Storz, both of Jefferson. Bolin`s lawyer Wayne Juneau of Pine Bluff said -- quote -- "My client didn`t ever admit to anything. This means he`s not contesting the charges. Based on the offer that was given to us, I felt like it was in his best interest to accept that offer rather than go to trial." Bolin is unopposed on the November ballot.