By Hank Russell
A Huntington man has been arrested for allegedly obtaining disability benefits through fraudulent means after he was found on social media participating in weightlifting tournaments.
On July 14, Attorney General Letitia James filed a three-count indictment against Raymond Phillips in Suffolk County Supreme Court. Philips is being charged with Grand Larceny in the Second Degree (a Class C felony) and two counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree (Class E felonies).
An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that from 2021 to 2024, Phillips allegedly 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 allegedly 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 allegedly continued to claim his eligibility to receive disability benefits in hearings and written reports through October 2025.
“Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers rely on disability benefits as a source of independence and income,” James said. “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.”
In August 2018, Phillips allegedly 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, he allegedly stated that he underwent surgery and was therefore unable to perform most routine activities without assistance. Phillips also allegedly 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 allegedly 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 allegedly 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.
“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.”
Phillips was arraigned before Judge Anthony Senft. If convicted of the top count, Phillips faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.