California Beauty Contestant Arrested for Workers’ Comp Fraud

Officials say a 22-year-old beauty pageant contestant has been arrested in California after being caught on video walking comfortably in high heels while collecting workers’ compensation benefits after saying she had a broken toe.

The state Department of Insurance said Tuesday that Shawna Lynn Palmer claimed she fractured a toe while working at a supermarket.

A doctor issued her crutches and an orthopedic shoe, and she collected workers’ comp. However, the agency says in a release that Palmer was later videotaped walking with no discomfort while competing to become Miss Toyota at the Long Beach Grand Prix.

Jail records show Palmer was arrested Friday in Riverside on three felony counts of defrauding an insurance company. She was released on $5,000 bail. Efforts to reach Palmer for comment were unsuccessful.