Former Westminster, California Police Officer Sued for $600K Disability Fraud While Vacationing at Disneyland, Music Festivals

Ex-cop Nicole Brown was caught partying at Stagecoach and going to Disneyland while claiming $600K for an alleged disability.

A former California police officer accused of fraudulently collecting $600,000 in disability payments while leading an active lifestyle is now facing a civil lawsuit from the City of Westminster, seeking full repayment of the funds and damages.

Nicole Brown, 39, who joined the Westminster Police Department in 2019, is accused of faking the severity of a minor head injury sustained during an arrest in 2022 to take extended, fully paid medical leave. While claiming to suffer from post-concussion syndrome, Brown allegedly vacationed at Disneyland, attended the Stagecoach music festival, ran 5K races, went on winter sports trips, and pursued a master’s degree—all while collecting tax-free wages and medical benefits.

According to city officials, Brown told department administrators during a virtual meeting that she was unable to look at a screen due to light sensitivity, even as recent photos and videos placed her at large public events. The city alleges she falsely claimed symptoms including headaches, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and sound as part of her fraudulent claim.

The lawsuit filed by the City of Westminster demands repayment of all disability and medical funds unlawfully obtained, as well as reimbursement for the costs of investigating and prosecuting the case.

“Fraud will not be tolerated in Westminster,” said Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen. “Our residents count on us to protect their taxpayer dollars and ensure that employees who are actually injured receive the support they need to recover. We owe it to our citizens and honest, hard-working officers to recover these funds.”

Brown has already been charged with nine felony counts of making fraudulent statements to obtain compensation, six counts of fraudulent insurance claims, and one count of aggravated white-collar crime for defrauding over $100,000. If convicted, she could face up to 22 years in prison.

Authorities also charged Brown’s stepfather, Peter Gregory Schuman, 57, a practicing workers’ compensation attorney, who is accused of helping orchestrate the scheme. Prosecutors say Schuman “did all the talking” during meetings with police officials and facilitated Brown’s admission into a traumatic brain injury center. He faces two felony charges and could be sentenced to eight years in prison if convicted, along with potential disbarment.

City officials called the case a grave breach of public trust and vowed to hold all responsible parties accountable.