Two officers from the Los Angeles Police Department were arrested Friday on suspicion of unemployment insurance fraud linked to claims filed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Peter Mastrocinque and Nicole Grant were taken into custody by investigators from the department’s Special Operations Division Major Complaint Unit, which investigates criminal misconduct involving police employees.
Both officers surrendered voluntarily, were booked, and later released, according to police statements.
The investigation began after the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office reviewed suspected unemployment insurance fraud cases tied to pandemic-era benefit applications in 2023.
Authorities allege the officers sought unemployment insurance payments during 2020 and 2021. Prosecutors filed charges for insurance fraud and submitting false statements on insurance applications.
Both officers currently serve in the department’s Newton Division and were placed on administrative leave following the arrests.
In a separate case in Louisiana, authorities arrested a first responder during an insurance fraud investigation conducted by the Louisiana State Police.
Aaron Edwards, 34, was booked Friday at the Pointe Coupee Parish Detention Center. Records show he later posted bond and was released.
Edwards works as a part-time deputy with the Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff’s Office.
He also serves as a full-time firefighter with the Baton Rouge Fire Department and holds a position at the New Roads Fire Department.
Earlier reporting indicated Edwards had been suspended from all three roles while Louisiana State Police conducted a separate investigation involving alleged inappropriate conduct with teenagers.
