A Wellston man has admitted to stealing over $100,000 in Social Security disability benefits while operating a fossil recreation business. Scott A. Taylor, 50, pleaded guilty Wednesday in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one felony count of theft of government money.
Taylor began receiving disability benefits on September 5, 1996. According to his plea agreement, he later opened Taylor Made Fossils, which produced cast or molded fossil recreations in various sizes. Although all business paperwork was listed under his girlfriend’s name, Taylor managed the company himself. Since 2014, the business generated income ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars per month except for three months.
On October 1, 2023, Taylor submitted a continuing disability review report and claimed he had severe difficulties with walking, standing, concentration, self-care tasks such as feeding and grooming himself, shopping, using his arms and managing money. He reported vision problems that allegedly caused him to walk into objects and fall down stairs frequently. He also described constant extreme pain and said it was dangerous for him to leave home alone or lift normal items due to numbness in his hands and feet.
Despite these claims, investigators observed Taylor carrying large or heavy objects, performing yard work, using a cell phone and walking unassisted and alone during this period. Later that same month he falsely stated that he had not received any wages or employment income since 1997.
On November 1, 2023, Taylor completed another function report repeating his previous statements about being unable to see well or care for himself.
After an investigation by the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG), Taylor’s disability benefits were discontinued when it was found that he had fraudulently collected a total of $106,923.
Taylor is scheduled for sentencing on December 9. The charge carries a maximum penalty of up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000; restitution will also be ordered.
The SSA-OIG investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll is prosecuting the case.
"Scott A. Taylor...pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one felony count of theft of government money."
