Los Angeles County Fire Captain Charged with Falsifying Disability Claim

LOS ANGELES — A Los Angeles County Fire Department captain has been charged with fraudulently claiming long-term disability insurance for a work injury that could not have occurred because he was not at work.

Thomas Merryman was charged with one felony count of insurance fraud, one felony count of false personation and two felony counts of forgery. Merryman is accused of fraudulently claiming long-term disability benefits from Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company by submitting forged paperwork from a physician and another Los Angeles County Fire Department captain.  Merryman allegedly defrauded the insurance company of more than $25,000.

Read the entire press release. Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, August 8, 2025