Syracuse Man Indicted For Social Security Fraud

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Blair A. Taylor, 50 of Syracuse, New York, was arraigned in federal court on July 9, 2015, on various charges related to a scheme to defraud the Social Security Administration (SSA) of more than $87,000, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Edward J. Ryan, Special Agent in Charge, Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General.

The three-count indictment charges Taylor with theft of government money, making a false statement in an application for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) and concealing employment income while also receiving DIB payments.

The indictment alleges that Taylor applied for DIB in April 2006, claiming he was totally disabled. Between April 2006 and January 2015, SSA paid Taylor approximately $87,138.90. The indictment alleges that Taylor received income from various jobs using a second Social Security number which would have affected his eligibility for benefits. The indictment also alleges that in September 2010 Taylor filed an additional disability claim under the second Social Security number. This included an allegedly false report that he had not previously applied for benefits from SSA.

If convicted, Taylor faces up to ten years in prison on the theft of government money charge, up to five years in prison on the Social Security fraud charges, a forfeiture money judgment of up to $87,138.90, and a fine of up to $250,000.00 for each count.

The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael F. Perry.