A Huntington man allegedly collected more than $100,000 in Social Security disability benefits while competing in weightlifting events and advertising his personal training business, state officials said.
Raymond Phillips, 40, was arrested and indicted on felony charges, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Tuesday, July 14.
Phillips allegedly told the New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance that injuries to his dominant left arm prevented him from working or completing routine daily activities. Investigators said social media posts instead showed him lifting heavy weights and participating in competitions.
According to the attorney general’s office, Phillips reported that he suffered serious injuries while lifting weights in June 2018. He submitted disability paperwork that August claiming he had undergone surgery, needed help with many daily activities and could not work because of the pain.
The Social Security Administration approved his application in May 2021 and made the benefits retroactive to 2018, prosecutors said. Phillips allegedly collected more than $100,000 in benefits from May 2021 through December 2024.
Investigators said Facebook and Instagram posts made between 2021 and 2024 showed Phillips bench pressing, squatting and competing in weightlifting events. He also allegedly promoted his work as a personal trainer.
Phillips continued claiming that he qualified for disability benefits during hearings and in written reports through October 2025, according to the attorney general’s office.
He is charged with second-degree grand larceny, a Class C felony, and two counts of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, Class E felonies.
Phillips was arraigned Tuesday before Suffolk County Supreme Court Judge Anthony Senftt. He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison if convicted of the top charge.
The charges are accusations. Phillips is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Photo: NYAG
