Clearwater Officer Arrested for Workers’ Compensation Fraud
Clearwater, FL – An 11-year veteran of the Clearwater Police Department, Officer Scott Penna, 35, has been arrested for allegedly exaggerating an injury to collect nearly $12,000 in workers’ compensation benefits. He faces felony charges including scheme to defraud, pension fraud, and grand theft. His bail was set at $10,500, and he was released about 40 minutes later.
Penna sustained an arm injury on January 18, 2023, while handling an “uncooperative subject.” Despite initially being cleared to return to full duty after surgery, he claimed persistent pain, which led to additional surgeries. However, subsequent medical evaluations revealed that his reported pain did not align with his activities.
In December 2023, Penna expressed concerns about his transportation to work while on light duty. Following a series of discussions with his superiors, he requested to stay home and receive workers’ compensation benefits instead of returning to work. Clearwater’s Risk Management Division authorized a private investigation due to suspicions of fraudulent behavior.
Surveillance conducted over several weeks in March and April showed Penna engaging in various physical activities, including washing his car and lifting weights, contradicting his claims of disability. Investigators determined he unlawfully accepted $11,976.79 in workers’ compensation payments while on leave from March 4 to May 16, 2023.
Clearwater Police Chief Eric Gandy condemned Penna’s actions, stating they undermine the integrity of the disability pension system intended for officers genuinely unable to work. Penna is currently on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.