CLEARWATER, Fla. — A Clearwater Police officer is facing multiple charges after an investigation into workers' compensation fraud and pension fraud.
The City of Clearwater said that Scott Penna was arrested and booked into the Pinellas County Jail on Thursday, June 20. He is facing grand theft, scheme to defraud, and pension fraud charges.
Penna had allegedly been on and off light duty after a 2023 incident when removing a person from the back of a cruiser. The initial report stated that he worked the rest of his shift and wasn't expected to miss any work.
He eventually had two surgeries on his right arm and had been on light duty. He applied for a disability pension in February of 2024, allegedly stating that he could no longer perform the job of a police officer because of the limitations with his right hand.
In March of 2024, he allegedly said he could no longer drive to work for his light-duty assignment.
That's when an investigation was launched. The city's Risk Management Department found that Penna apparently drove his personal vehicle often and was able to use both hands to lift weights at the gym.
"The behaviors exhibited on surveillance video were inconsistent with his alleged disability and limitations," Police Chief Eric Gandy said.
Penna was placed on administrative leave on June 17 and was fired on August 16.
“You know, it might just be time we take a look if HOAs are really even necessary.
Maybe we should just do away with homeowner associations as a whole.”
South Florida lawmaker Rep. Juan Carlos Porras (R-Miami) says it may be time to do away with homeowners associations altogether, as more Floridians speak out about rising fees, costly lawsuits, and even arrests tied to HOA disputes. He said this week that he is considering filing legislation in the next session that would abolish HOAs statewide.
