A Salem, Missouri man has been sentenced to more than 13 years in federal prison for neglecting his uncle, a U.S. Army veteran with quadriplegia, and concealing his death in order to steal nearly $1.8 million in disability benefits.
Brian K. Ditch, 45, received a sentence of 156 months from U.S. District Judge Zachary M. Bluestone on Thursday. According to court documents, Ditch became the sole caregiver for his uncle in 2008 but failed to provide proper care and subjected him to verbal abuse while also gaining unauthorized access to his financial accounts.
Authorities say that after the veteran died around 2019, Ditch hid the body in a shed behind his house and misled both family members and authorities about his uncle’s whereabouts. He continued collecting benefits by telling relatives that his uncle had moved into a nursing home and informing police that he was living elsewhere.
The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Disability Compensation program deposited approximately $1.6 million into the victim’s account since 2008, while the Social Security Administration provided an additional $235,210 in benefits during that period. Investigators found that Ditch used these funds for personal purchases such as exotic reptiles and firearms—despite being prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction.
Judge Bluestone ordered Ditch to repay the stolen money.
U.S. Attorney Thomas C. Albus stated: “Our veterans, particularly those who were wounded while serving our country, deserve our profound respect and admiration, not a life afflicted by neglect, abuse, and exploitation. I hope that this sentence sends a message that we will not tolerate this conduct, or the defrauding of programs intended to support veterans and those with disabilities.”
Special Agent in Charge Gregory Billingsley with the VA Office of Inspector General added: “This sentencing sends a clear message that the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General will vigorously investigate and hold accountable those who exploit veterans. Egregious crimes against those who served our nation will not be tolerated, and the VA OIG extends its gratitude to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their unwavering commitment to achieving justice in this case.”
Michelle L. Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit as First Assistant at the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General said: "For over a decade, Brian Ditch was entrusted as the sole caregiver for his uncle, a vulnerable Army veteran; yet he betrayed that trust in the most egregious way. Once his uncle passed away, Ditch then concealed his uncle’s death, hiding his body in a shed, all to keep siphoning Social Security benefits. This was not just theft; it was a calculated scheme to defraud SSA of over $235,000, carried out with shocking deception and disregard for human dignity. We will continue to pursue those who abuse Social Security for personal gain."
Ditch pleaded guilty in October to four counts of wire fraud along with charges of aggravated identity theft and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Salem Police Department; Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General; Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General; and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman.
