ST. LOUIS – A fossil enthusiast pled guilty in St. Louis court Wednesday for his role in stealing over $100,000 in Social Security disability benefits.

According to court records, Scott Taylor was granted disability benefits on Sept. 5, 1996, and during that period, the 50-year-old opened a fossil company called “Taylor Made Fossils.”

The business recreated molded fossils, and Taylor oversaw it, even though the paperwork indicated that it was registered under his girlfriend’s name, according to a plea agreement. From 2014 on, the business generated hundreds of dollars up to $10,000 per month “in all but three months,” prosecuting attorneys say.

Officials say that on Oct. 1, 2023, Taylor completed a disability review report, and he falsely claimed that he had trouble walking, standing, feeding himself, seeing, and hearing. 

Taylor also said that he had challenges in lifting items; however, that was not true, according to prosecutors. 

Court records say that Taylor was actually able to lift heavy objects, do yard work, and even walk without assistance. Officials said that Taylor even claimed that he had received no income and had no job since 1997—which was also untrue.

A function report was also completed by Taylor in November 2023, in which he reiterated those false claims. Investigators believe that—throughout this disability fraud scheme—Taylor stole a total of $106,923. 

Taylor, who pled guilty to one felony count of theft of government money, is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 9. His conviction carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both imprisonment and a fine.

A judge has also ordered the 50-year-old to repay the money.