BOSTON (AP) _ Three recently suspended or retired Massachusetts State Police troopers have been charged with stealing government funds by putting in for overtime shifts they didn't work.

Officials say Paul Cesan, Gary Herman and David Wilson were arrested early Wednesday and charged in federal court with embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds.

Court records say the troopers were paid overtime for shifts they either left early or didn't work at all. Officials say the troopers submitted fraudulent traffic citations to make it appear they had been working.

State police say an audit found apparent discrepancies in pay received and hours worked for about 40 employees in 2016.

U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling says their investigation into potential overtime abuse remains ongoing.

The men were expected to appear in court later Wednesday. It wasn't immediately clear if they have lawyers.

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