A former NYPD officer, Raymond Phillips, allegedly collected over $100,000 in state disability benefits while simultaneously running a training business and sharing weightlifting videos online, according to state prosecutors.
Phillips, 40, from Huntington, claimed to have injured his arm during weightlifting and went on disability in 2018. However, he was seen posting on social media about his workouts and even participating in weightlifting competitions. Attorney General Letitia James remarked, “Raymond Phillips shamelessly collected benefits for disabled New Yorkers while boasting about his weightlifting accomplishments on social media.”
James emphasized, “My office will not tolerate fraudsters who game the system and steal programs that are a lifeline to New Yorkers in need. We thank our partners in law enforcement and the Social Security Administration for ensuring those who stole taxpayer funds are held accountable.”
State officials noted that Phillips previously claimed in August 2018 that he had heavily injured his left arm and underwent surgery, which rendered him unable to work.
In May 2021, the Social Security Administration approved Phillips’ claim, allowing him to receive those benefits. But, investigators noted that he continued to work out, even as a personal trainer, and shared videos of his lifting achievements.
An investigation was launched following the discovery of this activity, leading to charges of grand larceny and providing false instruments. Currently, there is no listed attorney for Phillips, and he is set to appear in court again on August 13.
Conor Washington, a special agent from the Inspector General’s office of the Social Security Administration, stated, “Social Security disability benefits are intended for individuals who are legally unable to work, not for those who lie about their medical conditions for financial gain.” He further asserted that the defendant misappropriated legitimate benefits while continuing to work as a personal trainer.
