LAPD Cop Charged With Fraud After Going Skydiving
A Los Angeles police officer is accused of collecting disability benefits while allegedly engaging in physically demanding activities. Prosecutors say 18-year LAPD veteran Christopher Brandon Carnahan, 43, continued to receive full disability pay after reporting an on-duty elbow injury in May 2023, even as he reportedly worked out and went skydiving, according to Fox News.
Carnahan was placed on temporary totally disabled status, which allows injured LAPD officers to receive their full base salary tax-free for up to a year—and longer if the injury persists—according to the Los Angeles Times. However, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office claims he was not sidelined, alleging that he completed “many skydives” at Skydive Elsinore and exercised at a gym, including with dumbbells that required elbow movement. The DA’s office released photos it says show Carnahan skydiving and lifting weights.
“This case is about honesty and accountability,” DA Nathan Hochman said. “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.”
Carnahan was arrested Wednesday and faces two felony counts of insurance fraud. He is being held on $100,000 bail and could face up to six years in county jail if convicted. The LAPD is conducting its own investigation and will review his employment status following the outcome of the criminal case.
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