Scott A. Taylor, owner of a fossil replica company in St. Louis County, was indicted on Apr. 6 for allegedly seeking disability benefits under false pretenses.
The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat fraud within federal benefit programs and the importance of ensuring taxpayer dollars are used appropriately.
Taylor, 50, is charged with one count of making a false statement after he applied for Social Security disability benefits on Jan. 28, claiming he had not worked since 1993. The indictment states that Taylor has been self-employed since 2014. Authorities said his disability benefits were initially discontinued following an investigation by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG).
According to court records, Taylor previously pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one felony count of theft of government money related to his operation of Taylor Made Fossils while receiving disability payments. His plea agreement detailed how he falsely claimed severe disabilities while performing tasks such as carrying heavy objects and doing yard work unassisted.
On Dec. 9, Taylor was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to repay $106,923 to the Social Security Administration.
The Department of Justice stated its efforts support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud—a government-wide initiative chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance—focused on reducing fraud and abuse in federal benefit programs.
The National Fraud Enforcement Division aims “to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.” The division will work closely with agencies administering benefit programs and law enforcement at all levels “to bring criminal actors to justice.” The SSA-OIG investigated this case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jolene Taaffe.
