Allegations Against California Officer for Workers’ Compensation Fraud
On Monday, prosecutors alleged that a police officer in California engaged in partying and racing at music festivals while fraudulently claiming $600,000 in workers’ compensation for head injuries.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office has charged 39-year-old Nicole Brown, an officer from Westminster, with 15 felony counts related to workers’ compensation and insurance fraud. If found guilty, she could face up to 22 years in prison.
According to reports, on March 21, 2022, Brown was at work when she experienced what she described as “minor wear” on her forehead. She complained of headaches and dizziness to her watch commander.
Emergency room doctors cleared her to return to work without any restrictions, yet she took several days off and was later diagnosed with a severe concussion about a week after the incident. She then qualified for temporary disability, allowing her to receive two-thirds of her salary for up to a year.
Investigators found that after three days of sick leave following her injury, Brown attended a football conference in San Diego. In the following year, while still claiming injuries, she participated in two 5K races, went skiing and snowboarding, attended baseball games, played golf, and visited Disneyland, alongside completing online university courses.
Brian Gerwitz, Brown’s attorney, stated, “Mrs. Brown suffered a serious head injury while on duty.” He emphasized that she intends to challenge these allegations vigorously.
The prosecutors further noted that Brown continued to report symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light and noise, and difficulty processing thoughts and words, claiming she was unable to work on a computer or engage in screen time.
