Boston Paramedic Accused Of Stealing Drugs

A former Boston paramedic has pleaded not guilty to stealing and tampering with painkillers and sedatives from ambulances and locked drug storage areas.

Brian Benoit was released without bail after his arraignment on 73 counts Friday in Suffolk Superior Court on the condition that allow himself to be fingerprinted and photographed by police and that he not work as a paramedic or EMT while his case is pending

Prosecutors allege during the summer of 2011 he stole painkillers and sedatives intended for patients being transported, and in some cases replaced the medications he stole with other liquids.

Prosecutors say 10 people received diluted drugs but there is no evidence anyone was harmed by the 40-year-old Benoit's actions.

His lawyer said Benoit "vehemently" denies the charges.