A former NYPD officer is accused of defrauding the state out of more than $100,000 in disability benefits while simultaneously participating in weightlifting competitions and running a training business. Raymond Phillips, 40, of Huntington, was arrested this week and charged with grand larceny and filing a false instrument.
According to New York Attorney General Letitia James, Phillips applied for disability benefits in 2018, claiming a left arm injury sustained while weightlifting prevented him from working. The Social Security Administration approved his claim in May 2021, granting him benefits retroactive to 2018. During this period, state investigators allege Phillips continued to post photos and videos of his rigorous weightlifting activities on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. He also reportedly worked as a personal trainer.
"Raymond Phillips shamelessly collected benefits meant for disabled New Yorkers while boasting his weightlifting achievements on social media," James said in a statement. "My office has no tolerance for fraudsters who cheat the system and steal from programs that are a lifeline for New Yorkers in need."
Investigators observed Phillips engaging in activities inconsistent with his claimed disability, including bench-pressing and power-lifting feats. The Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General noted that Phillips falsely claimed he could not use his dominant arm while continuing to work. "By falsely claiming he could not use his dominant arm while continuing to work as a personal trainer, the defendant stole benefits intended for Americans with legitimate disabilities," stated Conor Washington, special agent in charge of the SSA's inspector general's office.
Phillips is due back in court on August 13. Online court records did not immediately list an attorney for him.
