Mattapoisett Firefighter Charged With Embezzlement

Police are seeking six counts of embezzlement against a Mattapoisett Fire Department lieutenant who's suspected of stealing $1,345 from the firefighters association.

Police Chief Mary Lyons says criminal complaints were filed Wednesday in Wareham District Court against 43-year-old Patrick Saltmarsh and a hearing will be held next month.

Lyons tells the Standard Times that Saltmarsh was the association's treasurer and was the keeper of its credit card, checking account and check book.

Police suspect Saltmarsh used the money for personal expenses.

Saltmarsh's attorney Phillip Beauregard says his client denies any wrongdoing and the spending will be explained.

The firefighters association is a nonprofit organization that conducts fund drives and buys equipment for the department.

[Associated Press]