Highlights:
- Mehul Goswami, 39, allegedly worked two full-time jobs simultaneously.
- He was employed remotely by New York State’s Office of Information Technology Services.
- Authorities claim he earned over USD 50,000 fraudulently.
- He faces a grand larceny charge (Class C felony) with up to 15 years in prison.
- Goswami was released on his own recognizance after arraignment in Malta Town Court.
US authorities have arrested an Indian-American government employee on charges of grand larceny after discovering that he allegedly held a second, full-time job during the same hours he was being paid to carry out his official state duties.
Mehul Goswami, 39, a resident of Latham in New York, was arrested last week by a joint team of the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office and the New York State Inspector General's Office. "Goswami is accused of working a second job in the town of Malta while on the clock and working remotely for the New York State Office of Information Technology Services.
As a result, he allegedly stole in excess of $50,000 from the state of New York," the Sheriff's Office said in a press release. He is arrested for "grand larceny in the 2nd degree (class C felony)", it said. If convicted, Goswami can face a maximum prison sentence of up to 15 years and a fine of up to USD 15,000 or double the financial gain.
"Public employees are entrusted with the responsibility to serve with integrity, and Mr Goswami's alleged conduct represents a serious breach of that trust. Working a second, full-time job while claiming to be working for the State is an abuse of public resources, including taxpayer dollars," New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang said.
"My office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold anyone accountable who would undermine the integrity of public service in New York State," Lang added. Goswami was arraigned before the Malta Town Court and released on his own recognisance pending further proceedings, the release said.
The charge is not considered a qualifying offence for bail under New York state law, effective January 2020, it said. Sheriff Michael H Zurlo said, "We look forward to this case's successful resolution in court."
