LAPD officer suspected of workers’ compensation fraud is arrested

A Los Angeles police officer suspected of workers’ compensation fraud for allegedly exaggerating an on-duty injury to collect disability benefits and then participating in recreational skydiving and other physical activity has been arrested.

Officer Christopher Carnahan purportedly injured his left elbow while on duty on May 22, 2023, and was subsequently placed on temporary totally disabled status, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Prosecutors allege that while on that status, the 18-year LAPD veteran completed many skydives at Skydive Elsinore in Lake Elsinore and worked out at a fitness center.

Carnahan, 45, of Norwalk was booked on suspicion of two counts of felony insurance fraud following an investigation by the LAPD’s Special Operations Division Major Complaint Unit conducted in partnership with the District Attorney’s Office Healthcare Fraud Division.

Bail was set at $100,000 bail.

“This case is about honesty and accountability,” District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement. “Claiming to be temporarily totally disabled and collecting disability 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,” the district attorney said.