Two members of the Los Angeles Police Department are facing criminal charges after authorities allege they improperly collected unemployment insurance benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to officials, Police Officer III Peter Mastrocinque and Police Officer II Nicole Grant were taken into custody after charges were filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The officers later surrendered, were processed, and subsequently released. Both have been placed on administrative leave pending further proceedings.
Investigators allege that the officers submitted fraudulent unemployment insurance applications in 2020 and 2021 and received benefit payments despite being employed. The applications reportedly drew scrutiny during a broader review of pandemic-era unemployment claims.
The investigation involved coordination between the District Attorney’s Office and the LAPD’s Special Operations Division. Authorities stated there was sufficient probable cause to believe the officers knowingly filed false claims in order to obtain benefits.
The LAPD’s Special Operations Division Major Complaint Unit, which handles cases involving internal misconduct such as workers’ compensation fraud and abuse of departmental benefits, led the internal component of the investigation. Department officials emphasized that safeguarding public funds and maintaining institutional integrity remain top priorities.
The case comes shortly after county prosecutors filed separate workers’ compensation fraud charges against another LAPD officer who was accused of engaging in recreational activities while claiming disability benefits.
The charged officers are expected to appear in court as the legal process moves forward.
