Two Los Angeles Police Department officers were arrested Friday on felony charges related to alleged unemployment insurance fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Authorities said Peter Mastrocinque and Nicole Grant turned themselves in after an investigation linked them to fraudulent unemployment insurance applications that were submitted and paid out during the pandemic.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the case began after a 2023 review conducted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office uncovered suspicious unemployment benefit claims tied to multiple individuals, including the two officers.
The findings were referred to the LAPD’s Special Operations Division, which launched a formal investigation into the matter.
Prosecutors have charged both officers with felony insurance fraud and making false statements in an application for insurance benefits.
Department records show Mastrocinque joined the LAPD on Sept. 16, 2008, while Grant became an officer on Oct. 31, 2016. Both were assigned to the department’s Newton Division at the time of the alleged offenses.
Following their arrests, the officers were placed on administrative leave. Authorities confirmed that both have since been released from jail while the case proceeds.
The LAPD said its Special Operations Division Major Complaint Unit is responsible for investigating cases involving unemployment insurance fraud, benefit abuse, and other allegations of criminal misconduct by department personnel.
Officials emphasized that the unit is committed to thoroughly investigating such cases to ensure accountability, protect public funds, and maintain the integrity of the department.
