October 26, 2012

Prominent name on alleged 'johns' list: Ex-South Portland Mayor Soule

The attorney for Soule says the charge is being blown out of proportion.

By David Hench dhench@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

(Continued from page 1)

James Soule in a 2006 photo.

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Former Councilor Brian Dearborn said Soule was a good councilor who represented the interests of the whole city, not just District 3, where he lived.

"Jim did a very good job," Dearborn said. "He spoke out for what he believed in. He was an advocate for education."

Dearborn said he wouldn't guess about the impact of the charges on Soule's stature in the city. "You're innocent until proven guilty," he said.

Wright and Strong are charged with taping sex acts between Wright and customers without the customers' knowledge.

Some observers have speculated that the purpose was to blackmail the customers later, but DeTroy said he knows of no effort to extort money from his client.

The prostitution case has made national news. On Tuesday, a reporter who identified himself as being from a network morning news show was outside the home where Soule has lived in South Portland. Soule is now listed as a resident of Fort Myers, Fla.

DeTroy said the defendants in the case generally offered to work with prosecutors and police but were not given a chance. He said the charges are embarrassing for Soule, but not serious.

"I think this will be a hard patch for him to get over personally," DeTroy said. "Like all these things, it will pass, and hopefully everyone will pick up the pieces."

Staff Writer David Hench can be contacted at 791-6327 or at:

dhench@pressherald.com

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