Fifteen current and former New York City employees have been arrested on charges of collecting unemployment insurance while they were on the city’s payroll.

City Commissioner of Investigation Rose Gill Hearn said Tuesday that the 15 defendants obtained a total of $79,840 in unemployment insurance payments while they were working for various city departments and agencies. They are charged with stealing amounts that range from $3,107 to $14,432.

Each of the 15 was charged with grand larceny in the third degree. They face up to seven years in prison if convicted.

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. said that by fraudulently accepting unemployment benefits while working for the city, the defendants violated the public trust.