Clearwater officer fired after investigation into alleged fraud

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Clearwater officer was fired on Friday as the result of an administrative investigation that was launched after he was charged in connection with workers compensation and pension fraud , according to officials.

Scott Penna was charged with grand theft, scheme to defraud and pension fraud in June. He allegedly lied to doctors about lingering effects from an injury and collected nearly $12,000 in compensation, according to court records.

Penna, who had been with the city since 2013, injured his right arm trying to remove an uncooperative person from a patrol car, leading to multiple surgeries in 2023. After the surgeries, Pena continued to complain about pain and weakness in his arm and hand.

His doctors prescribed medication and suggested physical therapy, court records show.

Between March 5 and April 17, Penna was recorded, and showed no signs of impairment during that time, documents said. He was seen carrying groceries, opening car doors, and using his right hand to brace himself. He was also seen driving a car.

Penna visited a doctor on April 3 and again complained about extreme pain in his arm, blotchy patches of skin and swelling in his hand. That same day, Penna was recorded working out at a gym with both hands — showing no sign of weakened grip.

Two days later, he reportedly told a physical therapist the injury was “severely impacting him daily as he is not able to clap his hands, throw a ball with his son or hold his daughter.”

Penna was initially placed on administrative leave on June 17.

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