Windham Selectman Refutes Assault Charge

SALEM, NH — A Windham selectman accused of assaulting a man a bar in 2017 claimed in court Wednesday he was actually the one who was attacked. Joel Desilets, who also serves as a Republican state representative, was charged with assault, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct in relation to a fight at the Old School Bar & Grill May 27, 2017. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Eagle-Tribune reported Desilets took the stand in Salem District Court and testified that a man put a gun to his head in the bathroom of the bar because the man believed Desilets took pictures of his girlfriend. The man denied having a gun and said Desilets attacked him, according to the newspaper.

The judge in the case was expected to issue a ruling in the coming days. Desilets has also served on the town's Planning Board and Economic Development Committee.

Photo credit: Joel Desilets