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| | Shawna Palmer, Contestant For Miss Toyota Long Beach Grand Prix Beauty Contest, Arrested As Her Social Media Highlights Her Workers' Comp Fraud
By Lonce LaMon - August 12, 2014
Shawna Lynn Palmer, 22, of Riverside, California was arrested on Friday for workers' compensation fraud after video evidence showed her participating in the 2014 Miss Toyota Long Beach Grand Prix beauty contest.
"Fraudulently collecting workers' compensation benefits by lying about the severity of an injury is illegal, and insulting to legitimately injured Californians," said Commissioner Dave Jones. "This suspect made the job of our departments' detectives easier by openly participating in high profile events."
Palmer worked as a clerk at Stater Brothers and on March 10, 2014 reported to her employer that she fractured a toe on her left foot at work. During multiple doctor visits Palmer claimed that she could not place any weight on her foot, could not move it in any direction, or wear a shoe for any length of time. Palmers' doctor provided an ortho shoe, crutches, and gave her orders to refrain from working and to elevate her foot whenever possible. Palmer stated that she was not able to work due to her foot injury and continued to collect workers' compensation benefits.
While collecting workers' comp benefits, Palmer participated in at least two beauty contests wearing high heels and walking without any signs of discomfort. Video was posted on YouTube of Palmer as a contestant in the 2014 Miss Toyota Long Beach Grand Prix beauty contest.
Palmer, if convicted, faces up to one year in county jail, three years of probation, and restitution of $24,000.
From Press Release, California Department of Insurance, August 12th 2014
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