Embattled Nahant firefighter arraigned on larceny charges

NAHANT – A Nahant firefighter who has been suspended without pay is due back in Lynn District Court on Nov. 2 for a pre-trial hearing.Embattled firefighter Kevin Howard is charged with embezzling thousands of dollars for his personal use from the International Association of FireFighters Local 2718.Howard was arraigned in Lynn District Court on Thursday on charges of larceny over $250, according to Essex County District Attorney’s Office Spokesman Steve O’Connell.Howard, who pleaded innocent, was released on personal recognizance by Judge Ellen Flatley, who also issued a stern bail warning.O’Connell said the bail warning means if Howard gets into any further legal trouble while this case is pending he could be held without bail for up to 60 days.O’Connell said Howard could face up to five years in state prison if convicted of the charges.Howard, who has been a firefighter for 11 years, was president of Local 2718 until he was appointed acting chief March 1. He served as acting chief until April 29 when he went on paid sick leave after the embezzlement allegations were made public.The charges against Howard in Lynn District Court stem from a request for a criminal complaint the union filed against him in Lynn District Court in August. The complaint alleges Howard made numerous purchases for his personal use at Home Depot, Shaw’s and Walmart, using union accounts. It also alleged that during various ATM transactions he made approximately $7,600 in cash withdrawals from union accounts.