Nahant firefighter firestorm reaches boiling point

NAHANT – A firefighter accused of embezzling union funds filed a restraining order against a fellow Jake, who had to leave the firehouse in order to avoid being arrested.Firefighter Kevin Howard, who went on sick leave in April after allegations surfaced he embezzled thousands of dollars from the union, alleges that firefighter Joshua Mahoney, who is president of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2718, threatened him.Attorney Neil Rossman, who represents Local 2718, said the restraining order against Mahoney was served at the fire station on Tuesday evening.Because Howard lives within 250 yards of the fire station, Mahoney was told he had to leave work or he would be arrested for violating the restraining order. Rossman said the town had to bring a firefighter in and pay overtime to adequately staff the station so Mahoney could leave and comply with the restraining order.Howard reportedly sought the restraining order after he alleged that Mahoney threatened him.”(Howard) said he was threatened,” Rossman said. “He said Josh (Mahoney) said he was going to shoot him. We will contest the allegations.”Rossman went to court on Wednesday morning and had the restraining order modified so Mahoney could continue working at the fire station.Rossman added the restraining order was issued less than 24 hours before Howard was scheduled to appear in Lynn District Court on a request for a criminal complaint that Howard embezzled union funds. The complaint was filed by Rossman on behalf of the union.Calls to Howard were not returned on Wednesday – the same day a magistrate’s hearing to determine whether there was probable cause for a criminal complaint against him was held in Lynn District Court. According to Rossman, Howard was granted a continuance on grounds that he did not have time to review documents filed with the complaint.The request for a criminal complaint against Howard alleges he made numerous purchases for his personal use at Home Depot, Shaw’s and Walmart, using International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2718 accounts. It also alleges during various ATM transactions he made approximately $7,600 in cash withdrawals from union accounts. Finally, the complaint alleges Howard submitted receipts to the town for his personal purchases and then kept the reimbursements he received from the town.Howard, who has been a firefighter for 11 years, was president of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2718 until he was appointed acting chief on March 1. Lt. Edward Hyde was appointed Chief on April 29, following Howard’s sick leave.