ALBANY — A dimwitted state employee stole 51 laptops and was caught when his band of criminal pals advertised the loot online, officials said Monday.

“For the better part of a year, this criminal ring used a state employee’s position and access to systemically steal valuable laptop computers from taxpayers and brazenly advertise them on Facebook for sale,” said Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott.

Brian Baker, 46, a tech-support specialist with the state Office of Information Technology, was charged with grand larceny and official misconduct. His cohorts were charged with possession of stolen property.