Real estate agent pleads not guilty to sexual battery charges

EVANSVILLE — Real estate agent Noel Pottinger appeared in Vanderburgh Superior Court on Tuesday to face a felony charge of sexual battery for allegedly sexually assaulting a client in her home.

A preliminary plea of not guilty was entered for Pottinger, who is free on $2,500 bond. Prosecutors have 20 days to file formal charges. Judge David Kiely ordered Pottinger not to have contact with the victim and set his next court date for March 2.

Pottinger is facing a charge of sexual battery, a class D felony. His attorney, Robert Canada, declined to comment about the charge.

According to a Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office report, Pottinger called the client and told her he had some paperwork that needed to be completed. When Pottinger arrived at the home, he reportedly began hugging her, making sexual comments and repeatedly placed her hand on his genitals.

The woman was able to text her boyfriend who called 911. Dispatchers called the victim and spoke with her until deputies arrived. Deputies reported found Pottinger clad only in his undershirt, underwear and socks.