L.A. cop said he was too hurt to work, then went skydiving, D.A. says - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Clara Harter

February 26, 2026

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A Los Angeles police officer has been charged with insurance fraud after allegedly claiming he was too injured to work while simultaneously engaging in physically demanding activities like skydiving. Christopher Brandon Carnahan, 43, of Norwalk, reportedly claimed an on-duty injury to his left elbow in May 2023, which allowed him to collect full disability benefits tax-free for up to a year. However, prosecutors say he was not too injured to participate in extreme sports or work out at a fitness center while receiving these payments. Carnahan faces two counts of felony insurance fraud and could be sentenced to up to six years in county jail if convicted. This case highlights a growing trend among California first responders being accused of similar fraudulent schemes. Earlier cases include a California Highway Patrol officer who lied about an injury to claim medical retirement, a former Westminster police officer charged with 15 felonies for allegedly skiing, visiting Disneyland, and partying while on disability leave, and an L.A. County Fire Department captain accused of faking a work injury and forging doctors’ notes to fraudulently collect payments. These cases raise concerns about the integrity of workers’ compensation programs and the need for greater accountability among public employees. The Los Angeles County District Attorney emphasized that such actions undermine public trust in law enforcement and other first responders, who are expected to uphold high standards of honesty and integrity. By claiming total temporary disability while engaging in physically demanding activities, Carnahan allegedly betrayed the principles he swore to uphold as a police officer. This case not only underscores the importance of transparency but also serves as a reminder that public resources must be used responsibly and ethically.

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/26/2026