Former Wareham selectman arrested on child assault charges

Former Wareham Select Board member James Potter was arrested by Bourne Police on Thursday, Aug. 11 on multiple charges, including a count of child rape, according to Bourne police.

Bourne police confirmed on Tuesday that Potter, 44, was arrested on several charges: one count of rape, one count of indecent assault and battery on person over 14, one count of rape of child, and two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14. Charges were filed in Falmouth District Court on Aug. 11.

The Cape and Islands District Attorney's Office confirmed on Wednesday that Potter’s bail was set at $20,000, with his conditions of release including a stay-away, no-contact order from exclusion zones monitored by GPS.

Bail was set at $20,000. With conditions of release to include a stay away no contact abs GPS exclusion zones.

Potter previously served as a Wareham Select Board from 2006 to 2009, and he has most recently served as a Select Board member in Bourne. Potter did not win a Select Board seat in the most recent Bourne election.

He moved to Bourne in 2009, according to a post on his “Elect Jim Potter” Facebook page. His page details his past history working for the two towns, including a stint as a sewer commissioner and Select Board member in Wareham. 

Potter was first elected to the Bourne Select Board in 2018, according to his Facebook page.

The Bourne resident’s past work in the community includes volunteering with the high school drama program, coaching Bourne youth soccer and hosting Spanish exchange students.

His wife Jean Potter filed for divorce on July 8 in Barnstable Probate and Family Court, according to court documents.