(Image Credit: IMAGN)
Westminster, California – The City of Westminster has filed a civil lawsuit against one of its former police officers, alleging she defrauded the city of more than $600,000 in disability payments while actively participating in activities that appeared to contradict her reported medical condition.
Nicole Brown, 39, a resident of Riverside and a former Westminster police officer, is already facing multiple felony charges for allegedly faking a concussion-related disability while collecting workers’ compensation. Prosecutors say she falsely claimed to suffer from debilitating symptoms — including severe headaches, light sensitivity, and dizziness — yet was seen dancing at the Stagecoach Music Festival, running 5K races, and visiting Disneyland.
Now, the city wants its money back.
In a statement issued Wednesday, city officials announced the civil suit and vowed to pursue full restitution for what they describe as a breach of public trust. “The lawsuit seeks repayment of all disability and medical payments, benefits, and other funds unlawfully obtained by Brown; and seeks to recover costs associated with investigation and prosecution of the lawsuit,” the city said.
The criminal charges against Brown are extensive. She faces 16 felony counts, including nine for making fraudulent statements to obtain compensation, six for filing false insurance claims, and one felony enhancement for committing a white collar crime involving over $100,000. If convicted, she could face up to 22 years in prison.
The case has touched a nerve in Westminster, where public officials have framed it as not only a matter of financial misconduct but also of institutional integrity.
“This former police officer has betrayed the public trust,” said Westminster 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. Fraud will not be tolerated in Westminster.”
Adding another layer to the case is the involvement of Brown’s father-in-law, Peter Gregory Schuman, a 57-year-old workers’ compensation attorney from Buena Park. Schuman has been charged with two felony counts for allegedly helping Brown execute her scheme. He faces up to eight years in prison if convicted.
As Brown’s criminal case proceeds, the civil lawsuit underscores a broader effort by local officials to restore trust and accountability. For a city still reeling from the implications of the alleged fraud, the case represents both a legal reckoning and a symbolic stand against abuse of the systems meant to protect workers.
