An 18-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department has been arrested on suspicion of insurance fraud.
Detectives with the department’s Special Operations Division, Major Complaint Unit took 43-year-old Police Officer Christopher Carnahan of Norwalk into custody on Feb. 25. Investigators allege that Carnahan exaggerated an on-duty injury to collect disability benefits while participating in recreational skydiving and other physically demanding activities.
The alleged injury occurred on May 22, 2023. According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Carnahan claimed he injured his left elbow while on duty and was placed on Temporary Totally Disabled (TTD) status.
Despite his claimed disability, investigators said Carnahan completed numerous dives at Skydive Elsinore and frequented a local fitness center.
“This case is about honesty and accountability,” said Nathan Hochman. “Claiming to be temporarily totally disabled and collecting 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 is being held on $100,000 bail and faces two felony counts of insurance fraud. If convicted, he could serve up to six years in state prison.
The LAPD Special Operations Division, Major Complaint Unit investigates workers’ compensation fraud, abuse of benefits, and other allegations of misconduct involving department personnel. Officials emphasized the unit’s commitment to accountability and safeguarding public resources.
