### Southern California Officer Accused of Faking Injury While Partying at Music Festival

A Southern California police officer finds herself embroiled in a legal scandal after allegedly enjoying a music festival while claiming over $600,000 in workers' compensation for a supposedly faked head injury. Nicole Brown, 39, an officer with the Westminster Police Department, has been charged with 15 felony counts related to workers' compensation and insurance fraud, according to the Orange County District Attorney's office.

The alleged fraudulent activity started when Brown, while on duty on March 21, 2022, suffered what prosecutors describe as a "minor abrasion" to her forehead during the arrest of an uncooperative suspect. Despite an emergency room doctor clearing her for work without restrictions, Brown reported symptoms including headaches and dizziness, and later claimed to have a severe concussion. This diagnosis allowed her to receive Total Temporary Disability benefits, covering her full salary for up to a year, and two-thirds of her salary thereafter.

However, investigators revealed inconsistencies in Brown's claimed disabilities. They discovered that shortly after the injury in March 2022, she attended soccer conferences in San Diego. Throughout the following year, while collecting disability payments, Brown was found to be actively participating in activities such as running 5K races, snowboarding in Big Bear and Mammoth, attending baseball games, playing golf, visiting Disneyland, and taking online university courses.

Brown's activities came under scrutiny during the annual Stagecoach Music Festival in April 2023, where multiple witnesses reported seeing her dancing and drinking amidst the event's loud music and bright lights. This prompted further investigation by the Westminster Police Department, which led to the current charges.

Adding to the controversy, Brown attended a Zoom meeting three days after the music festival, where she and her stepfather, Peter Schuman, claimed she was still experiencing severe symptoms including sensitivity to light and noise. Following the meeting, Brown was admitted to an inpatient center for traumatic brain injuries.

Schuman, 57, is also facing charges for his involvement in the alleged fraud. A licensed attorney in California, he may also face disciplinary action from the state bar, officials said.

The charges against Brown and her stepfather proved a significant fall from grace, especially after a 2021 social media post by the Westminster Police Department highlighted Brown's advice to women and young girls, encouraging them to reflect, accept, and learn from all situations using their unique differences.

Brown has expressed her intent to contest the allegations, with her attorney, Brian Gurwitz, arguing that she did suffer a genuine head injury while on duty. If convicted, she faces up to 22 years in prison.