Former Cop Caught Partying at Stagecoach Festival and Visiting Disneyland While Claiming $600K in Workers' Compensation
A former police officer from California is under scrutiny after allegedly collecting $600,000 in disability benefits while leading a seemingly carefree life. Nicole Brown, 39, reportedly engaged in various activities including ski trips, a Disneyland vacation, and attending a music festival, all while claiming to be incapacitated due to a minor head injury sustained during an arrest in 2022.
Prosecutors assert that Brown exploited her injury to take an extended leave from the Westminster Police Department, during which she engaged in numerous recreational pursuits. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office has charged her with 15 felonies related to an alleged fraudulent worker’s compensation scheme.
Despite claiming to suffer from “post-concussion syndrome,” Brown was seen enjoying herself at the Stagecoach music festival. Just three days later, during a Zoom meeting regarding her health, she appeared in a dimly lit room and told officials she could not look at the screen without discomfort, according to the DA.
Her activities during this supposed period of disability included running two 5K races, skiing at Big Bear and Mammoth mountains, attending youth soccer conferences, and going to baseball games. Additionally, she pursued an online master’s degree in organizational leadership at a local university.
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Brown's financial gains came from her full, tax-free salary along with medical expenses covered by the compensation program. If convicted, she faces a potential sentence of up to 22 years in prison.
In connection with the case, her stepfather, Peter Gregory Schuman, 57, is also implicated. An attorney specializing in worker’s compensation, Schuman allegedly assisted Brown in orchestrating the fraudulent scheme. He reportedly handled communications with Westminster PD officials and facilitated her admission into an inpatient facility for traumatic brain injuries.
Schuman faces two felony charges related to the case, which could result in a maximum of eight years in state prison. Furthermore, he risks losing his legal license as a consequence of his involvement.
