A 40-year-old Long Island man has been accused of fraudulently collecting over $100,000 in disability benefits while competing in weightlifting competitions and promoting his fitness activities on social media. The allegations were announced by the New York Attorney General's office on Tuesday.
An investigation found that Raymond Phillips collected disability benefits from the Social Security Administration from 2021 to 2024, despite claiming he was unable to work due to a weightlifting injury. The attorney general's office released photos from 2023 showing Phillips participating in weightlifting activities, including bench pressing and squatting.
Phillips had filed paperwork with the New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance in 2018, claiming he injured his dominant arm while weightlifting and underwent surgery. He stated that he required help with everyday tasks and experienced extreme pain.
Despite his claims, Phillips allegedly posted several videos and photos of himself weightlifting on social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. His social media accounts have since been deleted. Additionally, he was accused of continuing to work as a personal trainer while collecting disability payments.
Phillips faces charges of second-degree grand larceny and two counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree. If convicted of grand larceny, he could face up to 15 years in prison.
