As Mattapoisett Firefighter Lt. Patrick Saltmarsh faces arraignment for six counts of embezzlement in April, his lawyer says there is a “total lack of credible evidence” in the case as well as an unrelated suspension.

In February, the Mattapoisett Police Department accused Saltmarsh of embezzling $1,345 from the Mattapoisett Firefighters Association, of which he was formerly treasurer. Newly elected officers of the nonprofit organization reviewed the association’s accounts in January and found six ATM transactions in 2013 that seemed unconventional, according to Police Chief Mary Lyons.

Saltmarsh’s attorney Philip Beauregard said all of the transactions, save one, were related to the association or Fire Department. Beauregard said one use of the debit card was a mistake and that Saltmarsh meant to use his own personal card. Another $20 expenditure called into questions was for a firefighting seminar.

“They’re saying that wasn’t authorized. It’s kind of odd to call that embezzlement,” said Beauregard.

Other uses were cash withdrawals that Beauregard said were used to purchase food for firefighters activities. He also said the association’s officers didn’t contact Saltmarsh for an explanation before going to police.

The embezzlement charges aren’t the only thing Saltmarsh has to worry about. The lieutenant was also put on paid leave at the end of January, pending an investigation by the town involving a man who had a seizure at the bank adjacent to the fire station.

According to Beauregard, Saltmarsh followed town procedure and notified the EMS, who were already on their way, but he was faulted for not going to the scene.

Beauregard said Saltmarsh was “called on the carpet” six weeks after the incident. “Lt. Saltmarsh was doing what he understood to be the correct protocol,” he said.

A decision is expected in two to four weeks, he added.

“Both incidents separately give rise to the question as to why the fault is being directed to him,” said Beauregard. “Both of them have unusual circumstances, unusual timing.”

Saltmarsh has faced some scrutiny from people in the community and it has affected his kids at school, according to Beauregard. But, many in the community have also stood behind him.

“It’s a difficult thing for him to be undergoing, but he has a lot of support as well,” said Beauregard.