Lt. Patrick Saltmarsh, fire inspector for the Mattapoisett Fire Department, has been charged with embezzlement following a police investigation.

Curious expenditures from the Mattapoisett Firefighters Association account were first noticed following the election of new officers in January.

“There seemed to be some transactions that they were concerned about,” said Police Chief Mary Lyons.

She said the officers discovered "an unusual credit card payment made to the Department of Revenue." As the association is a nonprofit organization, the payment stood out.

The officers also found four ATM transactions that were deemed unconventional due to the nature of the association's work. The association raises funds for Fire Department equipment and participates in several community events and fundraisers.

Saltmarsh, the organization's former treasurer, was responsible for the credit card during these transactions, said Lyons.

She added that Saltmarsh cooperated with the police during the investigation and did not deny making the transactions.

All told, six transactions with the credit card totaled $1,345.76 and the Firefighters Association is seeking restitution.

A criminal complaint application was submitted to the Fourth District Court in Wareham charging Saltmarsh with six counts of embezzlement from the association, said Lyons.

The town put Saltmarsh on paid leave at the end of January and Town Administrator Mike Gagne said "a matter is under investigation." No further information is available at this time.

Fire Chief Andrew Murray said he could not comment on the investigation.