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US authorities have arrested Mehul Goswami, a 39-year-old Indian-American state employee, on charges of grand larceny for allegedly working a second full-time job while being paid for his official role in New York State.
According to a press release from the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Mehul Goswami, a resident of Latham, was arrested last week in a joint operation with the New York State Inspector General’s Office. He was accused of working in the town of Malta while on the clock and working remotely for the New York State Office of Information Technology Services.
Authorities said Goswami allegedly stole more than USD 50,000 from the state by collecting two salaries simultaneously. He has been charged with grand larceny in the second degree, a class C felony.
If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to USD 15,000, or double the amount of the alleged financial gain.
New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang condemned the alleged actions, calling them a betrayal of public trust. “Public employees are entrusted with the responsibility to serve with integrity, and Mr Goswami’s alleged conduct represents a serious breach of that trust,” Lang said, according to PTI.
“Working a second, full-time job while claiming to be working for the State is an abuse of public resources, including taxpayer dollars,” she added, noting that her office would continue collaborating with law enforcement to protect the integrity of public service.
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Goswami was arraigned before the Malta Town Court and released on his own recognisance pending further legal proceedings. The Sheriff’s Office clarified that the charge does not qualify for bail under New York State’s 2020 bail reform law.
Sheriff Michael H Zurlo said his office looked forward to the case’s “successful resolution in court,” PTI reported.
