Gary Ex-Cop Accused of Fraud for Playing Pickleball: A former Gary police officer may avoid a criminal record after allegedly lying about his injuries while collecting workers’ compensation. Nicholas T. Sanchez, 47, of Hobart, signed a pre-trial diversion agreement that could lead to the dismissal of charges if he meets certain conditions.
Alleged Fraud Involving Workers’ Compensation
Sanchez, who served as a Gary police officer for nearly 10 years, was charged with two counts of Level 6 felony fraud and two misdemeanor fraud counts after investigators found video footage of him playing pickleball in January 2023. This was one month after he filed paperwork claiming to be injured in a slip-and-fall accident on ice-covered stairs at work in December 2022.
According to the court records, Sanchez signed a claim stating he was hurt on duty after falling on stairs in the 5900 block of W. 36th Avenue. He went on workers’ compensation from December 16, 2022, to February 16, 2023.
However, footage from a pickleball tournament in January 2023 shows Sanchez playing the sport without showing signs of pain or discomfort, contradicting his injury claims.
Terms of the Pre-Trial Diversion Agreement
Under the pre-trial diversion agreement, Sanchez will avoid a criminal record if he stays out of trouble for a year, pays $479 in court fees, and $2,500 in restitution. If he fulfills these conditions, prosecutors will drop the charges against him.
Sanchez resigned from the Gary Police Department on April 22, 2023, according to a statement from Gary Mayor Eddie Melton’s spokeswoman, Erika Blackwell. He had been on workers’ compensation during his time away from the force, which ended after his resignation.
Investigation and Evidence
The investigation began after a Gary officer learned Sanchez was scheduled to participate in a pickleball tournament at Match Point Sports and Fitness in Griffith in January 2023. Video footage from the event showed Sanchez playing without any visible signs of injury, as well as lifting heavy gym bags, further raising doubts about the validity of his claims.
Indiana State Police Det. Brian McCall, the lead investigator, noted that there were no signs Sanchez was in pain, discomfort, or facing any medical issues during his appearance at the tournament.
Future Implications
The agreement between Sanchez and prosecutors represents a potential opportunity for him to avoid a criminal conviction. If he completes the required steps, he will not face the charges. However, the case highlights the importance of thorough investigations into workers’ compensation claims and the consequences for fraudulent actions.
This case is still ongoing, and the next steps depend on Sanchez’s compliance with the terms of the pre-trial diversion agreement.
News in Brief: Gary Ex-Cop Accused of Fraud for Playing Pickleball
Former Gary police officer Nicholas T. Sanchez faces fraud charges for allegedly lying about injuries to collect workers’ compensation. Video footage showed him playing pickleball after claiming an injury.
Sanchez signed a pre-trial diversion agreement, which could lead to dropped charges if he meets certain conditions, including restitution and staying out of trouble.
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