Missouri Man Who Neglected Veteran and Concealed His Corpse Sentenced to 156 Months in Prison

ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Zachary M. Bluestone on Thursday sentenced a man to 156 months in prison for neglecting his uncle, a U.S. Army veteran with quadriplegia, for years and concealing his corpse to fraudulently obtain $1.8 million in his uncle’s disability benefits.

Brian K. Ditch, now 45, of Salem, Missouri, became solely responsible for his uncle’s care in 2008. At some point, instead of properly caring for his uncle, Ditch kept him locked away and subjected him to insufficient care and verbal abuse. Ditch fraudulently gained access to his uncle’s financial accounts and regularly wired himself money. After his uncle’s death around 2019, Ditch concealed his death from relatives, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Social Security Administration so that he could continue to steal his uncle’s money. Ditch hid the body in a shed behind his house, telling relatives that he had moved his uncle into a nursing home and police that his uncle was living with someone else.

Since 2008, the VA’s Disability Compensation program deposited approximately $1.6 million into the victim’s account. Ditch’s uncle also received a total of $235,210 in benefits from the Social Security Administration. Ditch used the money for personal purchases, including exotic reptiles and firearms. As a convicted felon, Ditch is barred from possessing firearms. On Thursday, Judge Bluestone ordered Ditch to repay the money.

“Our veterans, particularly those who were wounded while serving our country, deserve our profound respect and admiration, not a life afflicted by neglect, abuse, and exploitation,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas C. Albus. “I hope that this sentence sends a message that we will not tolerate this conduct, or the defrauding of programs intended to support veterans and those with disabilities.”

“This sentencing sends a clear message that the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General will vigorously investigate and hold accountable those who exploit veterans,” said Special Agent in Charge Gregory Billingsley with the VA OIG’s Central Field Office. “Egregious crimes against those who served our nation will not be tolerated, and the VA OIG extends its gratitude to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their unwavering commitment to achieving justice in this case.”

"For over a decade, Brian Ditch was entrusted as the sole caregiver for his uncle, a vulnerable Army veteran; yet he betrayed that trust in the most egregious way. Once his uncle passed away, Ditch then concealed his uncle’s death, hiding his body in a shed, all to keep siphoning Social Security benefits," said Michelle L. Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit as First Assistant, Social Security Administration (SSA), Office of the Inspector General.  “This was not just theft; it was a calculated scheme to defraud SSA of over $235,000, carried out with shocking deception and disregard for human dignity. We will continue to pursue those who abuse Social Security for personal gain.”

Ditch pleaded guilty in October to four felony counts of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The Salem Police Department, the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman prosecuted the case.

Army Recruiter Recognized for Blending Social Media Strategy, Personal Advocacy

Jan. 16, 2026 | By Twana Atkinson, U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion, Raleigh |

An Army recruiter is earning national recognition for combining modern social media strategy with a deeply personal approach to mentoring future soldiers.

Army Staff Sgt. Victoria Ortiz's method emphasizes authentic online engagement and direct advocacy for her applicants, a formula that builds trust with both recruits and their families. For her successful efforts, Ortiz will receive recognition as one of the top recruiters in fiscal year 2025 at a ceremony in the Pentagon, Jan. 21. 

"My focus has never been recognition, but the well-being of future generations," Ortiz said. "When people feel valued from the start, they carry that same commitment forward and lead with care in return."

Ortiz's commitment is evident in the experience of Kaitlin Waterman, a recent recruit who sought to join the Army as part of her journey of personal growth. The decisive moment of trust in her recruiting process occurred at the Military Entrance Processing Station. 

Waterman was told her mother could not be present for the contract signing because of a policy issue. Ortiz advocated for the family, reaching out to a MEPS guidance counselor to ensure the mother could be present. 

For Waterman, the action was significant, remarking that "the experience highlighted the importance of having a trustworthy recruiter."

The parents of other recruits share this sentiment. 

"Staff Sgt. Ortiz was a blessing in disguise," said Jason Smith Sr., the father of another soldier recruited by Ortiz. "You hear a lot of horror stories about recruiters, but she really wanted to make sure that she was doing right by him. She needs to be cloned." 

Beyond one-on-one advocacy, Ortiz leverages social media to build connections. She said Facebook and Instagram have been her most effective platforms because they allow direct engagement with her target audience. Her content strategy is guided by the feedback and concerns she monitors from current applicants.

"Social media has allowed me to connect with prospects I may never have reached through traditional recruiting methods," Ortiz said. 

To streamline her process, she collaborates with a digital media specialist, Army Staff Sgt. Samantha Estrella, who helps produce content based on her concepts. 

Ortiz advises other recruiters who are hesitant to use social media to remember the intimidation an applicant can feel. 

"Start simple, be yourself and let authenticity guide your presence online," she said. 

Ortiz believes her success comes down to a core principle.

"The key takeaway is to lead with authenticity," she said. "Consistent, honest communication builds trust, drives engagement and ultimately strengthens recruiting outcomes."