A Massachusetts firefighter was indicted Tuesday in connection with overtime abuse allegations in his department.
Amesbury fire Lt. Scott Cloutier, who has been on administrative leave since May when the allegations came to light, is accused of putting in for payment for shifts he didn't work, according to city officials. His arraignment is set for Friday.
A second firefighter also is being investigated in the case, the city said. Like Cloutier, the unnamed firefighter was placed on administrative leave in May, and that continues along with the investigation.
"These actions have consequences, and it’s now up to the courts to determine how justice will be served," Amesbury Mayor Ken Gray said in a statement. "However, I want to emphasize that these actions do not overshadow the work of the rest of the hard-working and brave members of the Amesbury Fire Department, who show up for work every day and take great risks to keep our community safe."
A third Amesbury employee who was included in the May suspensions was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing, the city said. He has returned to work.
The allegations of overtime abuses has led to changes in the supervision and keeping of records, as well as policies and practices, according to the city. Gray and Amesbury Fire Chief Kenneth E. Berkenbush will be asking an independent consultant to perform an administrative review and make recommendations.
