Los Angeles, September 1, 2025
News Summary
Thomas Merryman, a Los Angeles County Fire Department captain, faces multiple felony charges including insurance fraud and forgery. Accused of claiming over $25,000 in fraudulent disability benefits, he allegedly submitted forged documents to support his claims. Merryman’s upcoming arraignment is scheduled for September 9, with a potential maximum sentence of five years if convicted. This case underscores the crackdown on fraudulent claims, especially in public service roles, amid concerns regarding their impact on legitimate claimants.
Los Angeles
Thomas Merryman, a 45-year-old captain with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, has been charged with multiple felony counts related to insurance fraud. The charges include one count of insurance fraud, one count of false personation, and two counts of forgery.
Merryman is accused of fraudulently claiming over $25,000 in long-term disability payments from Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company. The allegations stem from accusations that Merryman submitted forged documents, including fake paperwork from a fellow fire captain and a physician, to bolster his claims.
The district attorney’s office noted that Merryman’s reported work injury could not have occurred as he was not logged in at work at the time the injury was claimed. Currently residing in Georgetown, Texas, Merryman is scheduled for an arraignment on September 9 at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles.
If convicted on all charges, Merryman faces a maximum sentence of five years in state prison. In 2024, he reportedly received $178,466 in total pay along with $112,687 in benefits from the fire department, further complicating the allegations against him.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, emphasized that fraudulent disability claims will not be tolerated, particularly from individuals in first responder roles. This case arises amid ongoing concerns about the impact of false claims on insurance premiums and on the ability of those with legitimate injuries to receive necessary benefits.
The investigation resulted from a collaborative effort involving the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Merryman officially retired from his position on March 1, although the exact date of his fraudulent claim submission remains unclear.
In recent years, authorities have increasingly focused on the urgency of addressing insurance fraud, especially as emerging cases underscore the detrimental effects on the system that supports legitimate claimants.
Impact of Fraudulent Claims
False healthcare claims, such as those attributed to Merryman’s case, not only escalate insurance premiums but also obstruct individuals with legitimate work-related injuries from gaining access to necessary support and resources. Investigative bodies are keen on ensuring that integrity and accountability remain at the forefront of the industry.
Next Steps in the Case
Merryman’s upcoming arraignment will determine the course of his legal proceedings. As the situation develops, the attention on fraudulent claims will spur further discussions surrounding the integrity of workers’ compensation and related benefits for first responders.
Conclusion
The unfolding case involving Tom Merryman not only highlights issues surrounding insurance fraud in the realm of public service but also serves as a reminder of the broader implications these actions can have on society as a whole.
FAQs
What charges has Thomas Merryman faced?
Thomas Merryman has been charged with one felony count of insurance fraud, one felony count of false personation, and two felony counts of forgery.
What was the total amount claimed fraudulently?
Merryman is accused of fraudulently claiming over $25,000 in long-term disability payments.
What are the potential consequences for Merryman if convicted?
If convicted, Merryman faces a maximum sentence of five years in state prison.
When is the arraignment scheduled?
Thomas Merryman’s arraignment is scheduled for September 9 at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles.
What was Merryman’s total pay and benefits received in 2024?
In 2024, Merryman reportedly received a total of $178,466 in pay and $112,687 in benefits from the fire department.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Thomas Merryman |
| Age | 45 |
| Charges | Felony insurance fraud, false personation, forgery |
| Amount Claimed Fraudulently | $25,000+ |
| Scheduled Arraignment | September 9 |
| Maximum Sentence | Five years in state prison |
| Total Pay in 2024 | $178,466 |
| Total Benefits in 2024 | $112,687 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- KTLA News
- Wikipedia: Insurance Fraud
- MyNewsLA
- Google Search: Thomas Merryman Insurance Fraud
- New York Post
- Google Scholar: Insurance Fraud California
- Local 12 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Insurance Fraud
- Los Angeles Times
- Google News: Thomas Merryman
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
