A man from Salem, Missouri, has been indicted for allegedly concealing the death of his uncle, a disabled U.S. Army veteran, to fraudulently obtain financial benefits. Brian K. Ditch, 44, is facing multiple charges including wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, theft of government property, and illegal possession of a firearm.
The indictment claims that Ditch was responsible for his uncle's care starting in 2008 but instead confined him to a garage without proper care. After the uncle's death around 2019, Ditch reportedly concealed the body to continue receiving disability payments intended for his uncle. "Ditch told relatives that he had moved his uncle into a nursing home," according to the indictment.
His late uncle received significant monthly benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Social Security Administration since 2008. The indictment accuses Ditch of using these funds for personal luxury expenses like exotic pets and vacations.
Authorities discovered the uncle's partially frozen remains in March along with three shotguns at Ditch's residence. As a convicted felon, possessing firearms is prohibited for Ditch.
Charges in an indictment are accusations and do not imply guilt; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
"The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General is committed to holding accountable anyone who exploits veterans or steals their VA benefits," said Special Agent Gregory Billingsley from the VA OIG’s Central Field Office.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including local police and federal offices specializing in veterans' affairs and social security administration oversight. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman is handling the prosecution.
