LAPD Officers Face Charges for Unemployment Fraud During COVID-19

Two LAPD Officers Arrested for Unemployment Insurance Fraud

Two officers from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) were arrested on Friday in connection with suspected unemployment insurance fraud related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Officers Peter Mastrocinque and Nicole Grant were apprehended by personnel from the department’s Special Operations Division’s Major Complaint Unit, which investigates misconduct among department employees.

According to police reports, both officers surrendered voluntarily, were subsequently booked, and later released. The Major Complaint Unit’s investigation was initiated following a review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office in 2023, which focused on potential fraud involving unemployment benefits claims submitted during the pandemic.

Mastrocinque and Grant applied for unemployment insurance benefits in 2020 and 2021. They now face charges from the District Attorney’s Office that include insurance fraud and making false statements in an insurance application.

Both officers are currently assigned to the Newton Division and have been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.