Indian-American government employee Mehul Goswami arrested for holding 'second, full-time job'

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US authorities have arrested an Indian-American government employee on charges of “grand theft” for allegedly working a “second, full-time job” during paid hours to perform his official duties as a state employee.

Mehul Goswami, 39, of Latham, 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 City of Malta while living around the clock and working remotely for the New York State Office of Information Technology Services. As a result, he allegedly stole more than $50,000 from New York State,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a press release.

It says he was arrested for “Grand Theft in the 2nd Degree (Class C Felony).”

If convicted, Goswami faces a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000 or double the financial gain.

New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang said, “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 work for the state is a misuse of public resources, including taxpayer dollars.”

“My office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable anyone who undermines the integrity of public service in New York State,” Lang said.

Goswami was produced before the Malta Town Court and released on his own recognizance pending further proceedings, the release said.

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It said the charge is not considered a bail-eligible offense under New York state law effective January 2020.

Sheriff Michael H. Zurlo said, “We look forward to a successful resolution of this case in court.”