LA County fire captain charged with insurance fraud

A man who worked as a Los Angeles County Fire Department captain was charged on Friday with insurance fraud and other counts for allegedly fraudulently claiming long-term disability insurance.

Thomas Merryman — who is believed to currently reside in Georgetown, Texas — is scheduled to be arraigned Sept. 9 on one felony count each of insurance fraud and false personation and two felony counts of forgery, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Merryman, 44, is accused of fraudulently claiming long-term disability benefits from Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Co. by allegedly submitting forged paperwork and defrauding the insurance company of more than $25,000 involving an alleged fraudulent claim for a work injury while he was not at work, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

“Fake disability claims will not be tolerated under my watch, especially by first responders charged with keeping our county safe,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement announcing the charges. “False health care 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. Prosecutors and investigators in my office are working closely with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and other agencies to root out fraud.”

Merryman could face up to five years in state prison if convicted as charged, according to the District Attorney’s Office.