WESTMINSTER, CA – A former police officer from Westminster is at the center of a legal storm following accusations of deceiving her department and taxpayers by collecting workers’ compensation under false pretenses. Nicole Brown, who once wore the badge with the Westminster Police Department, now faces a slew of felony charges for allegedly faking a disability while leading an active lifestyle.
Brown’s troubles began in March 2022 when she reported an on-duty injury, claiming she was incapacitated due to a traumatic brain injury. Despite an initial medical clearance with no work restrictions, she secured a temporary disability status and began receiving workers’ compensation benefits. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office alleges that Brown amassed over $600,000 in tax-free payments, including medical expenses, based on these claims.
Investigations into Brown’s activities revealed a stark contrast between her claims and her real-life actions. Evidence emerged of her engaging in physical activities such as running, skiing, and even dancing and drinking at a music festival. These activities were inconsistent with the limitations she reported to her department.
The turning point in the investigation came after attendees at the Stagecoach Country Music Festival witnessed Brown’s lively participation, prompting them to alert authorities. The district attorney’s office swiftly acted on these reports, uncovering a web of deceit that allegedly involved Brown’s stepfather, Peter Gregory Schuman, a seasoned attorney in workers’ compensation defense.
Schuman, accused of aiding in the orchestration of the fraud, is charged alongside Brown. The charges against him include conspiracy and soliciting unlawful acts, as he allegedly represented her in meetings and discussions that misrepresented her condition.
Brown faces a daunting legal battle, with charges including fraudulent claims and statements to secure undeserved compensation. If convicted, she could spend up to 22 years in prison. Her stepfather, similarly, faces significant legal repercussions for his alleged role in the scheme.
The Westminster Police Department has refrained from commenting on the case, while the district attorney’s office has condemned the actions as a betrayal of public trust. The case underscores the importance of vigilance in monitoring and verifying claims of disability, particularly when public funds are at stake.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community watches closely, aware of the broader implications such cases hold for public service and integrity.