Nicole Brown, a former Westminster police officer, faces serious charges of workers’ compensation insurance fraud. Brown, 39, from Riverside, allegedly claimed over $600,000 in benefits after reporting a head injury from a minor incident in March 2022. Despite claiming she was unable to work, authorities say she was seen engaging in various activities, including dancing at the Stagecoach Music Festival, skiing, and visiting Disneyland.
According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Brown reported a traumatic brain injury after a minor abrasion to her forehead while arresting an uncooperative suspect. Though cleared by an emergency room doctor to return to work, she claimed disability, citing symptoms like headaches and sensitivity to light.
Brown’s stepfather, Peter Gregory Schuman, a workers’ compensation defense attorney, is accused of aiding her in the alleged fraud. He faces charges of conspiracy and assisting in the scheme. Brown is charged with 15 felonies, including making fraudulent statements to obtain compensation. If convicted, she faces up to 22 years in prison.
The case came to light after Brown was spotted at the Stagecoach Festival in April 2023, where she was reportedly dancing and drinking. The Westminster Police Department referred the case to the district attorney after receiving reports of her activities. Prosecutors allege she also participated in other activities inconsistent with her claimed disability, such as skiing and running 5K races.
Brown, who joined the Westminster Police Department in 2019, worked as a homeless liaison officer. Her attorney, Brian Gurwitz, maintains her innocence, stating she was genuinely injured on duty and plans to contest the charges.
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