Prosecutors allege that between September 2020 and January 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the officers filed for unemployment benefits despite working full time as police officers.
Two Los Angeles police officers have been charged with insurance fraud for allegedly collecting more than $77,000 in unemployment benefits while still employed, prosecutors said Thursday.
Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced that Peter Mastrocinque and Nicole Ashley Grant each face one felony count of insurance fraud and one felony count of unemployment insurance fraud.
Prosecutors allege that between September 2020 and January 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the officers filed for unemployment benefits despite working full time as police officers and holding additional employment.
According to authorities, Mastrocinque received about $42,750 in benefits from the California Employment Development Department, while Grant is accused of collecting approximately $34,800.
District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement that the alleged conduct occurred during a time when many people depended on financial assistance and emphasized that law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard of accountability.
If convicted, both defendants face up to five years in state prison.
