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Former California police officer Nicole Brown is facing legal action after allegedly faking a disability to collect $600,000 in benefits. Brown, 39, was charged with 15 felonies in May following an investigation by the Orange County District Attorney's Office. The investigation revealed that Brown claimed to have severe concussion syndrome, which she said was caused by a work-related injury in March 2022 while handcuffing a suspect.
Despite her claims of suffering from headaches, dizziness, and cognitive issues, Brown was spotted at the Stagecoach Music Festival in April 2023, dancing and drinking. The festival, held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, drew over 750,000 attendees. Her presence at such a loud and crowded event raised suspicions, as it seemed inconsistent with her alleged symptoms.
Brown's case further unraveled when she was seen visiting Disneyland while on disability leave. According to the Orange County DA's office, the only injury Brown sustained was a cut, and she was cleared to return to work the same day by the emergency room. Her stepfather, Peter Gregory Schuman, a workers' compensation attorney, allegedly helped her fraudulently collect benefits.
Westminster city officials are now suing Brown for the repayment of all disability and medical payments she unlawfully obtained. "This former police officer has betrayed the public trust," said Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen.
Schuman is also facing two felony charges for his involvement in the scheme.