Share and Follow
Authorities in Los Angeles have brought charges against a police officer for alleged insurance fraud, after he purportedly engaged in multiple skydiving activities while claiming full disability benefits.
Christopher Brandon Carnahan, 43, a resident of Norwalk, was formally accused on Monday of inflating the severity of an injury he reportedly suffered while on duty in 2023, as stated by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
With 18 years of service at the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Carnahan is a seasoned officer, according to information from WatchTheWatchers.net, which references California public records.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman emphasized the importance of “honesty and accountability” in this case, as noted in an official statement.
Evidence suggests that Christopher Brandon Carnahan participated in skydiving at Skydive Elsinore, located in Lake Elsinore, according to details from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
“Claiming to be temporarily totally disabled and collecting disability benefits intended for injured workers while engaging in physically demanding activities like skydiving is a crime. This is an officer who knows the law and understands the standards he is sworn to uphold.”
On May 22, 2023, Carnahan claimed he injured his left elbow while on duty and was subsequently placed on Temporary Totally Disabled (TTD) status, officials said.
Police under TTD are entitled to receive 100% of their base salary tax-free for up to a year and then two-thirds afterward if the injury persists.
Surveillance footage captures Carnahan working out at a fitness center with dumbbells. (District Attorney’s Office for the Los Angeles County District)
Contrary to claims of being completely disabled, Carnahan allegedly engaged in strenuous physical activity, including working out and completing “many skydives” at Skydive Elsinore in Lake Elsinore, south of Los Angeles.
The District Attorney’s Office also released photos showing what appears to be Carnahan skydiving and exercising at a fitness center. In one image, dated May 23, 2024, the LAPD officer is seen holding dumbbells in a motion that involves his elbows.
A Los Angeles Police Department vehicle is parked in the city. (Los Angeles Police Department)
He faces two counts of felony insurance fraud and is being held on $100,000 bail. If convicted, Carnahan could be sentenced to six years, to be served in county jail.
The LAPD, which is investigating the case, is expected to review Carnahan’s employment status pending the outcome of his criminal trial.
Related Article
