A former San Mateo County sheriff’s deputy has pleaded no contest to workers’ compensation fraud after allegedly collecting $62,000 in disability benefits while prosecutors claim he was secretly engaged in intense physical workouts. Jordan Faatiga, 35, worked as a deputy sheriff from 2022 to 2025.
Prosecutors stated that Faatiga submitted paperwork claiming an on-duty elbow injury prevented him from working. Surveillance footage reportedly showed him performing “intense gym workouts,” according to KTVU. During his tenure, Faatiga’s annual compensation increased significantly, rising from approximately $92,000 in 2022 to over $293,000 within three years, not including workers’ compensation benefits, according to GovSalaries.
This case follows similar incidents involving other law enforcement officers. In February, an 18-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department was charged with felony insurance fraud for allegedly engaging in activities such as skydiving and frequenting a fitness center while collecting disability benefits for an elbow injury. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated at the time that claiming to be totally disabled and collecting benefits while participating in physically demanding activities constitutes a crime.
In 2023, two married Tustin police officers were also charged with false workers’ compensation claims. The couple reportedly claimed chronic back pain and received over $180,000 but were later observed engaging in activities like mountain biking and boating during a vacation.