News Summary
A former police officer, Nicole Brown, and her attorney stepfather, Peter Gregory Schuman, have been charged in a $600,000 workers’ compensation fraud scheme. Brown faces 15 felony charges, including making fraudulent statements, while Schuman is implicated for assisting in these fraudulent claims. The case has shocked the Westminster community, raising questions about integrity in public service and the consequences of such fraud. If convicted, Brown could face up to 22 years in prison, while Schuman faces a maximum of 8 years.
Westminster Police Officer and Attorney Step Family Member in Hot Water Over Workers’ Comp Fraud
In a stunning turn of events that has shocked the local community of Westminster, a former police officer, Nicole Brown, along with her attorney stepfather, Peter Gregory Schuman, have been charged in connection with a massive $600,000 workers’ compensation fraud scheme. This case has turned heads and raised eyebrows, showcasing just how far some individuals will go to reap benefits they did not earn.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
Nicole Brown, 39, previously served as a police officer in Riverside. Now, she is facing a hefty list of legal troubles, with a total of 15 felony charges against her. Among these charges are nine counts of making fraudulent statements to obtain compensation and six counts of making fraudulent insurance benefit claims. To make matters worse, the situation escalated with an aggravated white-collar crime enhancement, because the fraud exceeded $100,000.
Browning’s stepfather, Schuman, aged 57 and a practicing attorney from Buena Park, is also facing serious allegations. He has been charged with one count of making fraudulent insurance claims and one count related to assisting and conspiring in these unlawful acts. This family duo is now under scrutiny, and the unfolding drama has captured the attention of many.
The Allegations
The fraudulent claims relate back to Brown’s assertion that she sustained a total disability from a head injury on March 21, 2022, while performing her duties as a police officer. Even after she was medically cleared to return to work, Brown claimed that she was suffering from severe concussion syndrome and was subsequently placed on Total Temporary Disability (TTD). However, her story took a wild twist.
While she reportedly faced challenges like headaches and dizziness, witnesses have spotted her engaging in various activities that starkly contradicted her claims of disability. Attending the lively Stagecoach Music Festival, skiing, running two 5K races, and visiting Disneyland were just a few pursuits that placed Brown’s supposed incapacity into question.
Investigative Actions and Consequences
The scales tipped when a curious investigation began, initiated by the Westminster Police Department after multiple reports from eyewitnesses surfaced. Concert attendees reported seeing Brown dancing and drinking the evening of April 29, 2023, at the Stagecoach Music Festival, seemingly carefree and far from the challenges she professed to be battling.
Moreover, during a Zoom meeting where Brown made claims of her inability to work, it was noted that Schuman was present. Despite her insistence that she couldn’t even look at the computer screen due to her symptoms, she later checked into an inpatient center for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
The Stakes
If found guilty, Nicole Brown could be looking at a maximum of 22 years behind bars, while her stepfather Schuman may face up to 8 years. As an additional consequence, Brown would lose any pension credits accrued from the time the felony was committed, adding even more pressure to her already dire situation.
This case has also opened a window into Schuman’s past, highlighting that he was previously suspended for two years as an attorney back in September 2008, putting his professional credibility into question.
Conclusion
The unfolding story of a former police officer and her stepfather embroiled in a fraudulent scheme has left the community of Westminster buzzing. As the legal process begins to unfold, many are left wondering what the future holds for these two, and whether they will face the consequences of their alleged actions. One thing is clear: the importance of integrity in public service and the trust placed in our public officials must be prioritized, as the ramifications of such fraud can ripple through the community.
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Additional Resources
- ABC7: Former Westminster Police Officer Charged
- Los Angeles Times: Cop Busted at Stagecoach
- NBC Los Angeles: Ex-Westminster Police Officer Accused of Fraud
- Wikipedia: Workers’ Compensation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraud
