Show-Me State Times

A Wellston man has pleaded guilty to stealing over $100,000 in Social Security disability benefits. Scott A. Taylor, 50, admitted in federal court to one felony count of theft of government money.

Taylor was approved for disability benefits on September 5, 1996. According to his plea agreement, he later operated a business called Taylor Made Fossils, which produced fossil recreations. Although the business paperwork was in his girlfriend’s name, Taylor managed the company. Since 2014, the business earned from several hundred dollars up to tens of thousands per month except for three months.

On October 1, 2023, Taylor submitted a disability review report stating he had severe limitations including difficulty walking and standing, inability to concentrate or manage money, and trouble seeing or using his arms. He also claimed extreme pain and said it was dangerous for him to leave home alone. Despite these claims, authorities observed Taylor carrying heavy objects, doing yard work, using a cell phone, and walking unassisted.

Later that month, Taylor falsely stated that he had not worked or received any income since 1997. On November 1, he repeated similar statements about his limited abilities in another function report.

The Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG) investigated the case and subsequently discontinued Taylor’s benefits after discovering the fraud.

Taylor stole a total of $106,923 in disability payments according to his plea agreement. Sentencing is set for December 9; he faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or both. He will also be required to repay the stolen funds.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll is prosecuting the case.

"The SSA-OIG investigated the case."

"Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll is prosecuting the case."