A man from Salem, Missouri has been indicted on charges related to the alleged concealment of his uncle's death to fraudulently obtain financial benefits. Brian K. Ditch, 44, faces multiple felony counts including wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, theft of government property, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The indictment accuses Ditch of being responsible for his uncle’s care since 2008. It alleges that he kept his uncle confined in a garage to gain access to his government benefits. The document further claims that after the uncle's death around 2019, Ditch hid the body and falsely informed relatives that his uncle had moved into a nursing home.
According to the indictment, the deceased veteran received monthly Disability Compensation benefits amounting to $9,559 from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Additionally, he collected $235,210 in Social Security Disability Insurance and Retirement Insurance benefits since 2008. These payments would have ceased if the VA had known about the veteran's death.
The funds were allegedly used by Ditch for personal indulgences such as purchasing exotic reptiles and funding luxurious vacations. Police discovered the uncle’s body in a trash can along with three shotguns during their investigation. As a convicted felon, Ditch is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Ditch is expected to plead not guilty at an upcoming court appearance in St. Louis.
"The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General is committed to holding accountable anyone who exploits veterans or steals their VA benefits," stated Special Agent Gregory Billingsley with the VA OIG’s Central Field Office. He emphasized that programs intended for veterans should not be defrauded.
This case was investigated by several agencies including the Salem Police Department and federal offices from both Veterans Affairs and Social Security Administration.