Elmont Online

ALBANY -- A DEC biologist allegedly stole $35,823 from the state by drinking while he was supposed to be at work, according to Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.

Christopher Keim, 43, would abscond to the Albany Pump Station -- near the agency's Broadway headquarters -- two to three times a week, often for hours at a time, for as long as two years, DiNapoli said. Keim falsified time sheets, saying he was on-the-clock during those periods, DiNapoli alleged. The allegedly fraudulent claims add up to over $35,000 counting salary and fringe benefits.

"At a time when state employees were concerned about keeping their jobs, this individual took advantage of his position, and the trust of his supervisors, to rip off state taxpayers," DiNapoli said. "This kind of behavior cannot be tolerated and deserves criminal prosecution."

Keim surrendered to State Police and was charged Monday with grand larceny, a felony, as well as defrauding the government and offering a false instrument for filing. He was arraigned in Albany City Court and released on his own recognizance, but faces up to seven years in prison if convicted.

Reached by phone, Keim directed a reporter "to talk to a lawyer or somebody else," but hung up without saying who was representing him. He did not return a subsequent message seeking that information.

According to the comptroller's office, Keim has worked at the DEC since 2007. He is paid $56,550 a year.

Keim has not been suspended, according to Emily DeSantis, a DEC spokeswoman. She said Keim was not scheduled to work Monday and will be subject to a disciplinary action "quickly." Employees can be suspended if they are arrested, starting a 30-day clock for a notice of discipline, and then, an arbitration hearing.

"DEC takes employee misconduct very seriously," DeSantis said. "Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the employee. In addition, increased internal controls and supervisory training will be put in place to help ensure similar situations do not arise in the future."