Los Angeles County Fire Department Captain Accused of Faking Workplace Injury for $25,000 in Disability Payments
A high-paid Los Angeles County Fire Department captain is facing charges for allegedly faking a workplace injury and forging doctors’ notes to receive over $25,000 in disability payments, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
The accused, Thomas Merryman, 45, is believed to have claimed he was injured on the job when he wasn’t even working. Prosecutors allege that Merryman forged the names of a fellow fire captain and a doctor on fake paperwork to receive long-term disability benefits from Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company.
Public records show that Merryman, who is believed to reside in Georgetown, Texas, received over $291,000 in salary and benefits in 2024, including the fraudulent disability payments. He allegedly swindled the insurance company out of more than $25,000 while earning a salary of $153,714 and $112,687 in benefits.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated, “Fake disability claims will not be tolerated under my watch, especially by first responders charged with keeping our county safe.” He emphasized the impact of false healthcare claims on insurance premiums and legitimate claimants and vowed to work with fire officials to eliminate fraud.
“False healthcare claims raise insurance premiums and make it more difficult for people with legitimate work injuries to claim benefits. My message to public servants who abuse the system is clear: We are watching you,” Hochman added.
It is unclear when Merryman submitted the fraudulent claim or if he is still employed by the LAFD. The department did not respond to requests for comment from The Post.
Merryman has been charged with insurance fraud, false personation, and two counts of forgery. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison. He is scheduled to be arraigned on September 9.
