St. Louis County business owner Scott A. Taylor, who operated Taylor Made Fossils, has been handed down a sentence to fully repay $106,923 in Social Security disability benefits he wrongly collected. Yesterday, U.S. District Judge Zachary M. Bluestone ruled that Taylor must also serve a five-year probation period for his fraudulent claims, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Missouri.
While Taylor claimed to be too disabled to work, committing to say that he struggled with basic tasks like walking and concentrating, investigations revealed him to be actively running his fossil reconstruction business. He was observed carrying heavy objects, completing yard work, and walking unassisted—contrary to his claims of severe impairment. The evidence brought forward showed Taylor misrepresenting his condition and work status since 1997, despite his business earnings which ranged widely month by month.
The investigation led by the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG) similarly uncovered Taylor’s deceit. They found that since 2014, Taylor's business continued to make significant income, which starkly contrasted with his assertions of having no employment or income. "Taylor stole a total of $106,923," his plea agreement stated, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Taylor, 50, from Wellston, had previously pled guilty in September to one felony count of theft of government money. The case, prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll, serves as a sober reminder of the need to earnestly monitor and investigate the claims made for disability benefits. The SSA-OIG's diligence has helped to assure that such cases are taken seriously and to prevent the misuse of funds meant for those truly in need.
