A high-paid Los Angeles County Hearth Division captain allegedly faked a office damage and solid medical doctors’ notes to rake in additional than $25,000 in incapacity funds, prosecutors mentioned.
Thomas Merryman, 45, is accused of pocketing the massive payouts after claiming he was damage on the job when he wasn’t even working, based on the Los Angeles County District Lawyer’s Workplace.
Prosecutors mentioned the alleged fraudster solid the names of a fellow hearth captain and physician on bogus paperwork to attain long-term incapacity advantages from Colonial Life & Accident Insurance coverage Firm.
Merryman, believed to reside in Georgetown, Texas, swindled the insurance coverage firm out of greater than $25,000 — all whereas pulling in over $291,000 in wage and advantages in 2024, public data present.
“Faux incapacity claims won’t be tolerated underneath my watch, particularly by first responders charged with holding our county protected,” District Lawyer Nathan Hochman mentioned in a press release, including that his workplace is working immediately with hearth officers to “root out fraud.”
“False healthcare claims elevate insurance coverage premiums and make it harder for individuals with reputable work accidents to say advantages. My message to public servants who abuse the system is obvious: We’re watching you.”
Information confirmed he banked a $153,714 wage and $112,687 in advantages, plus extra time and different pay.
It’s unclear when the hearth captain submitted the fraudulent declare or whether or not he’s nonetheless on the job. The LAFD didn’t instantly reply to The Publish’s request for remark.
Merryman was charged Friday with insurance coverage fraud, false personation and two counts of forgery.
He faces as much as 5 years behind bars, if convicted, prosecutors mentioned.
Merryman is scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 9.
