Melrose firefighter used dead teen's identity to get hired, investigators say – Boston News, Weather, Sports

MELROSE, MASS. (WHDH) – A Melrose firefighter has been arrested and now faces federal charges after investigators say he was hired in January using a stolen identity.

The city of Melrose confirmed that a man, identified only as John Doe, was hired by the fire department under the name Henry Huang, but federal prosecutors said that was not his real name. They say this man stole the identity of a 13-year-old who died more than 20 years ago.

The news came as a shock to residents of the region.

“If he showed up at my house and it's just some random person who isn't who he says he is, it's just, why aren't you who you say you are and are you trying to help people? I just think it’s weird,” said Melrose resident Izzy Beausoleil.

In the criminal complaint, prosecutors said the man used the identity Henry Huang for years, obtaining a driver's license with that name in 2018, 2019 and 2023.

“It’s just weird. It's uncomfortable. I don’t know,” Beausoleil said.

It wasn't until the man applied for a passport in March 2023 that his identity was called into question, opening a federal investigation. The Motor Vehicle Registry revealed the man obtained a second driving license with a different identity in 2018.

No one answered the door at the man's home Friday afternoon. Melrose Mayor Jennifer Grigoraitis told 7News the firefighter was placed on leave.

The man was arraigned Thursday on multiple charges in federal court.

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