The Maui News
WAILUKU — Police arrested a Lahaina man who was allegedly selling methamphetamine while living under a container on county land near the Lahaina Aquatic Center and West Maui Skatepark.
James Potter, 50, was charged with first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, attempted first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, two counts of possessing drug paraphernalia, third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and promoting a controlled substance near a public park or public housing complex.
During his initial appearance Monday in Wailuku District Court, Deputy Prosecutor Tracy Jones asked for bail to remain at $100,000 for Potter.
She said the high bail was set based on a police investigation revealing that for the past three years, Potter lived under the container 25 yards from West Maui Skatepark and sold methamphetamine.
Jones said police recovered more than an ounce of methamphetamine when Potter was arrested Saturday. She said he reported that he would get $1,000 a day on a good day.
Potter told police he was buying $1,500 worth of methamphetamine and selling it in smaller amounts, Jones said.
She said Potter has six convictions for crimes including third-degree assault, second-degree promotion of a detrimental drug, violating an order for protection and disorderly conduct.
Potter asked to be released or have his bail lowered, with Deputy Public Defender Andres Tobar saying the defendant didn’t appear to be a flight risk.
Judge Blaine Kobayashi kept bail at $100,000.
Potter was ordered to stay away from 245 Shaw St., which is the location of the Lahaina Aquatic Center and West Maui Skatepark and near Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center.
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