TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10)– A former Troy Housing Authority information technology employee has been arrested for allegedly stealing just over $7,000 in wages, according to the New York State Comptroller’s Office. Marsden Chen is accused of running his own company while clocked in at his job for the housing authority.
Chen was charged with third degree grand larceny as a crime of public corruption, a felony, and official misconduct in Troy City Court.
According to Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, an investigation began after state police received a complaint from the housing authority that Chen was reportedly closing in and out of the timekeeping system but was rarely seen in the office.
DiNapoli said the investigation determined Chen was allegedly working for private clients during the hours be claimed to be working for the housing authority.
“Public time is for public work, not to subsidize one’s private business,” DiNapoli said. “Mr. Chen allegedly collected his public salary while working for his private business clients.”
Chen reportedly owns a private IT company called Diagnostic Services and Installations. He was reportedly received $7,089 in unearned wages from the Troy Housing Authority while working for private clients, which included 17 municipalities, fire and police departments and non-profit organizations.
“Clocking in to collect a public salary while earning income from a private business is theft, plain and simple,” DA Donnelly said. “I am grateful to the New York State Police and the Office of the State Comptroller for partnering with us as we work together to hold Mardsen Chen accountable for his actions.”
Chen was terminated from his job in August 2023 after being placed on leave for two months.
