Police officer denies stealing more than $10K from union

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) - An Agawam police officer has denied allegations that he stole more than $10,000 from his union.

Gary Nardi Jr., of Ludlow, pleaded not guilty to larceny charges Thursday in Hampden Superior Court in Springfield. He must give his passport to his lawyer and have no contact with three people from the Agawam Police Patrolman’s Association.

State Attorney General Maura Healey’s office began investigating in May. Nardi has been on paid administrative leave since then.

Prosecutors say Nardi was treasurer of the union and was responsible for managing the finances from 2011 through May 2016.

Authorities allege the 45-year-old Nardi stole money by withdrawing funds from an ATM without authorization. They say he also paid his own bills using money from the union.