A St. Louis County business owner has been sentenced for defrauding the Social Security Administration by collecting disability benefits while running a fossil recreation company.
On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Zachary M. Bluestone ordered Scott A. Taylor to repay $106,923 in Social Security disability payments he received through fraudulent means. In addition to restitution, Taylor was placed on probation for five years.
According to court documents, after being granted disability benefits, Taylor started a business called Taylor Made Fossils that created fossil reproductions. While receiving these benefits, he repeatedly claimed he was too disabled to work and reported severe limitations in walking, standing, concentration, self-care, and other daily activities. He stated his condition made it dangerous for him to leave home alone and that he could not feel his hands or feet.
Despite these claims, investigators observed Taylor carrying heavy objects, doing yard work, using a cell phone, and walking without assistance. Financial records showed that since 2014 his business earned income ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars per month in all but three months.
The investigation by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General led to the discontinuation of Taylor’s disability payments. The plea agreement states that Taylor stole a total of $106,923 from the government.
Taylor pleaded guilty in September to one felony count of theft of government money. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll.
