ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis County fossil company owner has been ordered to repay $106,923 in Social Security disability benefits that he obtained through disability fraud.
U.S. District Judge Zachary M. Bluestone made the order on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, after Scott A. Taylor, 50, of Wellston, pleaded guilty in September to one felony count of theft of government money.
The investigation by the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG) found that Taylor repeatedly falsely claimed to be too disabled to work while running his business, Taylor Made Fossils, which made fossil recreations.
During the alleged disability period, Taylor was carrying large or heavy objects, doing yard work, using a cell phone, and walking normally while unassisted and alone. He claimed he had difficulty walking, standing, concentrating, feeding himself, shopping, using his arms, managing money, seeing, hearing, speaking, and caring for his hair.
Taylor’s plea agreement states that he stole a total of $106,923 in disability benefits.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll prosecuted the case. Taylor is now on probation for five years.
The SSA-OIG investigated the case, which resulted in the discontinuation of Taylor’s disability benefits.
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Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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