Attorney General James Announces Arrest of Long Island Man for Fraudulently Obtaining Disability Benefits

July 14, 2026

NEW YORK - New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the arrest and indictment of Raymond Phillips, 40, of Huntington, Suffolk County for fraudulently collecting more than $100,000 in disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that from 2021 to 2024, Phillips falsely represented to the New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) that he was unable to work or perform daily activities due to serious injuries he suffered in 2018 from lifting weights. However, while he was collecting disability benefits and fraudulently claiming to be disabled, Phillips continued to be an avid weightlifter and posted videos on social media of himself lifting heavy weights, participating in weightlifting competitions, and advertising his personal trainer business. Phillips was charged with two felonies for falsifying paperwork and using that false paperwork to unlawfully collect disability benefits.

"Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers rely on disability benefits as a source of independence and income," said Attorney General James. "Raymond Phillips shamelessly collected benefits meant for disabled New Yorkers while boasting his weightlifting achievements on social media. My office has no tolerance for fraudsters who cheat the system and steal from programs that are a lifeline for New Yorkers in need. I thank our partners in law enforcement and the Social Security Administration for ensuring we hold those who steal taxpayer dollars accountable."

"Social Security disability benefits are intended for individuals who are legitimately unable to work-not those who misrepresent their medical condition for financial gain," said Conor Washington, Special Agent-in-Charge at the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General. "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. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those who attempt to defraud the Social Security disability program."

In August 2018, Phillips submitted paperwork to OTDA claiming he was physically incapable of working because he sustained serious injuries to his dominant arm in June 2018 from weightlifting. On the application for benefits, Phillips stated that he underwent surgery and was therefore unable to perform most routine activities without assistance. Phillips also stated that the pain from his injuries prevented him from working in any capacity. In May 2021, SSA approved his application for disability benefits, retroactive to 2018. From May 2021 to December 2024, Phillips illegally collected $100,000 from SSA based on his false claims that he was disabled and unable to work.

The OAG's investigation found that between 2021 and 2024, Phillips posted several videos and pictures on social media accounts, including Facebook and Instagram, showing him weightlifting and competing in competitions, despite his claims that he could not lift his dominant left arm and had difficulty squatting, bending, and standing. Phillips continued to claim his eligibility to receive disability benefits in hearings and written reports through October 2025.

Phillips is charged with one count of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C felony, and two counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, a Class E Felony. If convicted of the top count, Phillips faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

Phillips was arraigned today before Suffolk County Supreme Court Judge Anthony Senftt. These charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Attorney General James is committed to holding individuals who take advantage of disability benefits accountable for their fraud. In July 2025, Attorney General James announced the arrest and conviction of a Staten Island man for fraudulently collecting over $200,000 of Social Security benefits for years. In June 2023, Attorney General James announced the guilty plea of former NYPD detective for fraudulently collecting more than $156,000 in disability benefits from SSA. In May 2021, Attorney General James announced the arrest of a Huntington man for fraudulently collecting more than $200,000 in disability benefits from SSA.

The OAG thanks OTDA and SSA for their partnership in this matter, and the Detective Investigators Squad of the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office for their assistance in the arrest of Mr. Phillips. The OAG also thanks Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Julian Lugo of SSA Inspector General's Office for leading the investigation and Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Gilberto Camilo for his assistance, under the supervision of Special Agent-in-Charge Conor Washington.

The case was investigated on behalf of the OAG by Investigators Joseph Buffalino and William Fitzgerald, under the direction of Detective Supervisor Anna Ospanova and Deputy Chief Juanita Bright of the Major Investigations Unit. The Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Oliver Pu-Folkes. Auditor Investigator Kristina Patterson, under the direction of Deputy Chief Auditor Sandy Bizarro and Chief Auditor Kristen Fabbri, provided the forensic analysis during this investigation.

Assistant Attorney General Aida Vernon is handling the prosecution in this matter with assistance from Legal Support Analyst Meredith Youngblood, under the supervision of Public Integrity Bureau Chief Gerard Murphy. Both the Investigations Bureau and the Public Integrity Bureau are part of the Division for Criminal Justice. The Division for Criminal Justice is overseen by Chief Deputy Attorney General Jose Maldonado and First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.