Former Miss Toyota Grand Prix beauty contestant busted for workers’ compensation fraud in 2014 has been convicted and sentenced. Shawna Lynn Palmer, of Riverside, pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of workers’ compensation fraud and was sentenced to 36 months’ probation, perform 50 hours of community service and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and more than $5,000 restitution.
Palmer worked as a clerk at Stater Brothers and on March 10, 2014 reported to her employer that she fractured a toe on her left foot at work. During multiple doctor visits Palmer claimed that she could not place any weight on her foot, could not move it in any direction, or wear a shoe for any length of time. Palmers’ doctor provided an ortho shoe, crutches, and gave her orders to refrain from working and to elevate her foot whenever possible. Palmer stated that she was not able to work due to her foot injury and continued to collect workers’ compensation benefits.
While collecting workers’ comp benefits, Palmer participated in at least two beauty contests wearing high heels and walking without any signs of discomfort. Video was posted on YouTube of Palmer as a contestant in the 2014 Miss Toyota Long Beach Grand Prix beauty contest.