ST. LOUIS COUNTY FOSSIL COMPANY OPERATOR ADMITS DISABILITY FRAUD

The following information was released by the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District Of Missouri:

A man who recreates fossils on Wednesday admitted stealing $106,923 in Social Security disability benefits.

Scott A. Taylor, 50, of Wellston, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one felony count of theft of government money. Taylor was granted disability benefits on Sept. 5, 1996. At some point, he opened Taylor Made Fossils, which made multiple-sized cast or molded fossil recreations. All business paperwork was in Taylor's girlfriend's name, but he oversaw the business, his plea agreement says. Since 2014, the business generated income ranging from hundreds of dollars to tens of thousands of dollars per month in all but three months.

On Oct. 1, 2023, Taylor completed a continuing disability review report in which he falsely reported having difficulty walking, standing, concentrating, feeding himself, shopping, using his arms, managing money, seeing, hearing, speaking and caring for his hair. He stated his vision caused him to walk into people and objects and frequently fall down the stairs, that he was in extreme constant pain, that it was dangerous for him to leave the house alone, that he could not feel his hands or feet and that even normal items would become too heavy to lift. All the while, Taylor was carrying large or heavy objects, doing yard work, using a cell phone, and walking normally while unassisted and alone. Later that same month, Defendant falsely claimed he had received no wages or income and had no form of employment since 1997.

On Nov. 1, 2023, Taylor completed a function report in which he reiterated his false claims about his limited ability to see, move and care for himself.

After an investigation by the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG), Taylor's disability benefits were discontinued. Taylor stole a total of $106, 923, his plea agreement says.

Taylor is scheduled to be sentenced on December 9. The crime carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or both prison and a fine. He will also be ordered to repay the money.

The SSA-OIG investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll is prosecuting the case.