Overview

• Thomas Merryman, 45, was charged on Aug. 8 with one count each of felony insurance fraud and false personation and two counts of forgery.
• Prosecutors allege he fabricated an on-duty injury and submitted forged physician and supervisory paperwork to Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company.
• Investigators say Merryman received more than $25,000 in long-term disability payments for an injury that did not occur at work.
• He faces up to five years in state prison if convicted and is scheduled for arraignment in downtown Los Angeles on Sept. 9.
• District Attorney Nathan Hochman warned that fraudulent benefit claims drive up premiums and said his office is working with the fire department to deter abuses by public servants.