A California police officer is facing criminal charges after prosecutors allege she collected hundreds of thousands of dollars in disability benefits while engaging in physical activities and traveling across the state.

According to Breitbart, Nicole Brown, a Westminster police officer, has been charged with 15 felony counts after allegedly receiving $600,000 in benefits by overstating symptoms from a 2022 workplace injury.

On March 21, 2022, Nicole Brown, 39, reportedly suffered a minor forehead abrasion while attempting to arrest a resistant suspect in the line of duty. According to reports, she informed her watch commander that she was experiencing a headache and dizziness immediately following the incident.

That same day, she was examined in the emergency room by a physician, who cleared her to resume work without any limitations. Despite having been medically cleared, Brown called out sick for several days following the incident.

In the days that followed, a different medical provider diagnosed Brown with a severe concussion, which led to her being placed on Total Temporary Disability status. This classification made her eligible to receive full salary compensation for a year and two-thirds of her salary afterward.

Officer Allegedly Traveled and Attended Events

During her initial three days of reported sick leave, investigators claim Brown attended soccer conferences held in San Diego. Authorities say she continued to remain on disability leave long after that initial period and engaged in a series of physical activities, despite claiming to be incapacitated.

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office alleges Brown participated in two 5K races, went snowboarding or skiing, and played golf. She is also believed to have gone to several baseball games and made a trip to Disneyland while collecting disability benefits.

In addition to those activities, prosecutors say she enrolled in and completed online university courses, which they argue contrasts with her claims of being unable to use screens or process information effectively.

Claimed Symptoms Contradict Documented Behavior

“Brown’s ongoing complaints were headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light and noise, problems processing thoughts and words, and an inability to work on the computer or do any screentime,” said a statement from prosecutors. They assert that her reported symptoms were significantly exaggerated compared to her physical and cognitive activities observed during the same period.

Altogether, Brown collected approximately $600,000 in disability pay while remaining off duty. Authorities say video and other evidence support a stark difference between her reported impairments and real-world actions. The Westminster Police Department has not commented publicly on the matter, and it is unclear whether Brown has been placed on administrative leave or remains on the agency’s payroll.

Attorney Vows to Contest All Allegations

Brian Gurwitz, who represents Brown, defended her condition, stating she “suffered a significant head injury when she was on duty.” He noted that his client plans to fight the charges laid against her by the district attorney’s office. “She intends to vigorously fight these allegations,” Gurwitz said. Further comments from the defense are expected as the case moves forward through the court system.

If convicted on all counts, Brown could face up to 22 years in prison. The felony charges include multiple counts of workers’ compensation fraud and insurance fraud, both of which carry severe penalties in California.

Legal Process Expected to Be Lengthy

The investigation into Brown’s conduct reportedly spanned several months, involving surveillance and medical reviews. Prosecutors allege that her actions constituted a deliberate effort to defraud the workers’ compensation system.

The District Attorney’s Office has not disclosed when Brown is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment. It remains unclear whether she is currently in custody or has posted bail. The case comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over public employee benefits and fraud prevention measures in California. Similar high-profile cases have drawn public attention to compliance policies and internal oversight in law enforcement agencies.