Former Selectman to stand trial for child rape, battery

A trial date has been set for former Wareham Select Board member James Potter, who was arrested in 2022 on  charges that include three counts of rape, two counts of rape of a child between twelve and sixteen and three counts of indecent assault and battery of a child under 14. 

Potter’s upcoming jury trial is set for July 15 at Barnstable County Superior Court, with a final trial conference scheduled for June 28. 

The dates of the alleged offenses range from Jan. 1, 2009 to April 23, 2022, according to Barnstable County Superior Court records.

Potter served as a Select Board member in Wareham from 2006 to 2009, and moved to Bourne in 2009 where he served as a Select Board member from 2018 to 2022. 

All alleged offenses occurred in Bourne, according to court documents. 

His work in the community included volunteering with the high school drama program, coaching Bourne youth soccer and hosting Spanish exchange students. 

Bail was set at $20,000, and was posted on April 27, 2023 with the condition that he have no contact with his victims.