RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Nicole Brown, 39, a former Westminster police officer, has been charged with 15 felonies related to workers’ compensation insurance fraud, accused of collecting over $600,000 in disability benefits while allegedly engaging in activities inconsistent with her claimed injuries.
According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Brown sustained a minor head injury in March 2022 during an attempt to handcuff a suspect. Though an emergency room doctor cleared her to return to work the same day without restrictions, Brown did not resume duties for more than a year.
Prosecutors said Brown was later diagnosed with severe concussion syndrome and placed on total temporary disability leave, during which she fraudulently collected her full salary — tax-free — along with medical expenses.
Alleged Fraudulent Activities
Despite claiming debilitating symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, light sensitivity, and cognitive difficulties, Brown was reportedly seen engaging in several physically demanding and public activities.
In April 2023, she was observed dancing and drinking at the Stagecoach Music Festival, which drew over 75,000 attendees amid loud music, bright lights, and extreme heat. The festival attendance was reported to police, prompting the investigation.
Further inquiries revealed that during her leave, Brown allegedly participated in snowboarding or skiing trips to Mammoth Mountain and Big Bear, ran two 5K races, attended soccer conferences, visited Disneyland, played golf, and took online university courses.
Three days after her reported presence at Stagecoach, Brown took part in a Zoom meeting to discuss potential work duties, during which she claimed an inability to look at screens or perform paperwork, while her stepfather, Peter Gregory Schuman, spoke on her behalf.
Charges and Legal Representation
Brown faces nine counts of making fraudulent statements to obtain compensation, six counts of making fraudulent insurance benefit claims, and one felony enhancement for aggravated white-collar crime involving over $100,000. If convicted, she could face up to 22 years in prison and the loss of pension credits accrued after the date of the alleged crimes.
Her stepfather, 57, a Buena Park-based attorney specializing in workers’ compensation defense, faces felony charges including making fraudulent insurance claims and conspiring to commit unlawful acts.
Both Brown and Schuman have legal representation, with attorneys denying the allegations and indicating Brown intends to fight the charges.
Background
Brown graduated from the Rio Hondo College police academy and was sworn in as a Westminster Police Officer in February 2019. She served as a homeless liaison officer, helping connect individuals experiencing homelessness to vital resources.
**This article was written by [Marcel Galligan]. AI was used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.**
