A former California police officer collected $600,000 in workers’ compensation benefits while allegedly skiing, running 5K races, and dancing at music festivals — all while claiming to be disabled from a minor head injury sustained on duty.
Key Takeaways
- Nicole Brown, a former Westminster police officer, is facing 15 felony charges for allegedly defrauding the workers’ compensation system of $600,000 by faking disability from a minor head injury.
- While claiming severe post-concussion syndrome that prevented her from working, Brown allegedly participated in skiing, running races, attending music festivals, visiting Disneyland, and pursuing an online master’s degree.
- Brown’s stepfather, Peter Gregory Schuman, a workers’ compensation defense attorney, is also charged with helping orchestrate the fraud and could face disbarment.
- If convicted, Brown faces up to 22 years in prison, while her stepfather could receive up to 8 years behind bars.
Tax-Funded Lifestyle While Allegedly Disabled
Nicole Brown joined the Westminster Police Department in February 2019 and claimed a traumatic brain injury after sustaining what prosecutors describe as a minor head abrasion while on duty in March 2022. Despite being initially cleared to work, Brown called out sick and was later diagnosed with what she claimed was a severe concussion, leading to her placement on Total Temporary Disability. This status allowed her to receive her full salary initially and two-thirds of it after a year, all tax-free, while the taxpayers of California footed her medical bills.
“She suffered a small abrasion to her head. She went to the emergency room that day,” said Kimberly Edds from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
Active Lifestyle Betrays Disability Claims
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office launched an investigation after Brown was spotted enjoying herself at the Stagecoach country music festival. According to prosecutors, Brown was observed “dancing and drinking” at the festival, which featured “loud music and bright lights everywhere” – conditions that should have been intolerable for someone with the severe post-concussion syndrome she claimed to suffer from. This stark contrast between her claimed disability and actual lifestyle raised immediate red flags for investigators.
“People who knew that she was on full disability witnessed her behaving in a way that was not consistent with what she was telling her department,” explained Kimberly Edds.
Elaborate Deception and Family Conspiracy
Investigators uncovered a pattern of deception that extended beyond just attending music festivals. While collecting disability benefits, Brown allegedly participated in skiing trips, running 5K races, attending soccer conferences, playing golf, and even pursuing an online master’s degree – activities entirely inconsistent with her claimed disability. In stark contrast to this active lifestyle, during a Zoom meeting with her department, Brown reportedly appeared in a darkened room, claiming discomfort from looking at the screen.
Brown’s stepfather, Peter Gregory Schuman, a workers’ compensation defense attorney who should have known better, allegedly helped orchestrate the fraud. Prosecutors claim Schuman “did all the talking” during meetings with her department and case manager, misrepresenting Brown’s condition to ensure the continuation of her benefits. His legal expertise in workers’ compensation cases makes this alleged conspiracy particularly egregious, as he would have been fully aware of the fraudulent nature of these claims.
Legal Consequences and Defensive Claims
Brown now faces 15 felony charges, including making fraudulent statements and insurance fraud. If convicted, she could face up to 22 years in prison. Her stepfather faces charges of conspiracy and soliciting an unlawful act, with potential prison time of up to eight years. Beyond criminal penalties, Schuman also faces possible disbarment, ending his legal career. The severity of these potential consequences reflects the substantial nature of the alleged fraud – over $600,000 stolen from California taxpayers.
“Mrs. Brown suffered a significant head injury when she was on duty, and she intends to vigorously fight these allegations,” said Brian Gurwitz, Brown’s attorney.
Despite this defense, prosecutors remain firm in their assessment of the situation. “For a police officer to engage in that kind of behavior, it’s absolutely disgusting,” stated Kimberly Edds from the District Attorney’s Office, highlighting the betrayal of public trust inherent in the alleged fraud. The case represents not just a financial crime but an abuse of a system designed to protect injured workers, perpetrated by someone sworn to uphold the law.
