Robert Daniel Potter

Robert Daniel Potter (April 4, 1923 – July 2, 2009) was a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina.

Education and career Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, Potter received an Artium Baccalaureus degree from Duke University in 1947. He received a Bachelor of Laws from Duke University School of Law in 1950. He was a second lieutenant in the United States Army from 1944 to 1946. He was in private practice of law in Charlotte, North Carolina from 1951 to 1981. He was a Commissioner of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina from 1966 to 1968.

Federal judicial service Potter was a campaign worker for Republican Senator Jesse Helms of North Carolina, who recommended his appointment to the federal bench to President Ronald Reagan.

Potter was nominated by President Ronald Reagan on October 1, 1981, to the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, to a new seat created by 92 Stat. 1629. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on October 29, 1981, and received commission the same day. He served as Chief Judge from 1984 to 1991. He assumed senior status on May 1, 1994, serving that status until his death on July 2, 2009, in Charlotte. Potter was the presiding judge in the 1989 trial of televangelist Jim Bakker, who Potter sentenced to 45 years in prison for multiple fraud and conspiracy accusations (the jury was not allowed to see the Heritage USA apartment complex that was 90 days from completion). In passing sentence, Potter stated: "Those of us who do have a religion are sick of being saps for money-grubbing preachers and priests."

Other service Potter was a longtime financial supporter of Christendom College. He raised funds for the college and was a member of its advisory board.

Personal life Potter was Roman Catholic.