Nolanville Fire Chief Speaks Out After Arrest - kcentv.com - KCEN HD - Waco, Temple, and Killeen

Nolanville's fire chief is back to work today, after a traffic stop launches an investigation into his criminal history, and now he is speaking up for himself.

Chief James Potter spent three days in the Bell County Jail last week for driving on a suspended license and tampering with government documents.

Today he told KCEN HD News why it happened and why he says he has nothing to hide from his past.

Chief Potter is back to fighting fires this week after coming under fire last week.

He was reinstated last night on 60 days probation.

He's been suspended since last Thursday, when he was arrested for what he says was a system glitch.

"I had a ticket in 2009, it was paid in 2010, but it didn't show on the system, so it made my license show up as an ID card, instead of a drivers license," said Potter.

He says a photo copy of his drivers license caused the tampering with government documents charge.

His arrest ignited an investigation into his past, uncovering four felony charges in Montgomery County, TN, for forging prescriptions and one for intent to manufacture, sell or deliver.

"It was a fault between myself and the doctors office, and it was all dismissed and clarified in court," said Potter.

The Montgomery County Court Clerk confirms all charges are set to be dismissed next June.

A Clarksville, TN, arrest record shows Potter went to jail in May for stealing a car.

He says he only towed the car after it was left on his property.

The Montgomery County District Attorney confirms the charges were resolved.

Potter's Assistant Fire Chief Jason Worsdale says the department backs him 100 percent.

"There are system glitches, there are bad things that happen to good people, and this is one of those cases," said Worsdale.

Now that it's back to work for Chief Potter, he says he has a message for those whom it's his job to serve.

"I just want them to know that I'm here with my assistant chief, that we're going to better the department, better the community service, and that you can trust me and rely on me," said Potter.

He is back behind the wheel today.

Potter's license was reissued after a call to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles cleared the situation up.

Reporter/Photographer: Sophia Stamas sstamas@kcentv.com