A Nahant fire lieutenant is embroiled in severe legal trouble as charges of rape and assault have been brought against him. Frank Pappalardo, 50, has been indicted on ten criminal charges which include four counts of rape and various counts of assault, some inflicting serious bodily injury.
According to WCVB, Pappalardo was arraigned earlier this week and is currently being held pending a dangerousness hearing. "This may change to unpaid leave pending the outcome of a dangerousness hearing expected later this week, as well as an agency review of the matter," stated the town in response to his employment status, revealing Pappalardo's placement on paid leave in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.
Further information has been restricted from public access, as an affidavit supporting a motion for an indictment warrant has been filed under seal. The Essex County District Attorney's office refrained from commenting on the specifics of the case but confirmed the charges listed on Pappalardo's docket, as per details noted by MassLive.
Pappalardo has been a full-time employee with the Nahant Fire Department since 2004. The town has confirmed that his status is currently administrative leave without pay, something that could shift depending on the ruling of the upcoming hearing. Any further developments in this case are anticipated to emerge following the dangerousness hearing set for today.
