A 44-year-old man in Missouri, Brian K. Ditch, is facing multiple felony charges after being accused of imprisoning and abusing his quadriplegic uncle, a U.S. Army veteran, for years — and continuing to steal government benefits even after the man’s death.
According to a federal indictment filed in the Eastern District of Missouri, Ditch allegedly kept his uncle’s dead body hidden in a trash can for more than five years, continuing to claim veterans’ and disability payments to enrich himself.
Allegations of Long-Term Abuse and Fraud
The indictment says Ditch began acting as his uncle’s primary caregiver in 2008. Rather than care for him properly, prosecutors say he locked the disabled veteran inside a garage for long hours — sometimes over 24 hours at a time — leaving him without food, water, or help with hygiene.
“He was forced to sit in his own urine and feces,” the indictment states.
The victim, identified as Veteran T.C., was paralyzed, non-verbal, and fully dependent on others for survival. Authorities say Ditch used the situation to take control of his uncle’s finances.
Veteran Died in 2019 — Body Hidden Until 2025
The Army veteran reportedly died in 2019, while still under Ditch’s care. Instead of reporting the death, Ditch hid the body in a black trash bag and stuffed it inside a garbage can, which was placed in a shed behind the house.
Ditch continued to tell family and officials that the veteran had either moved to a nursing home or was now living with another caretaker.
It wasn’t until March 21, 2025, that authorities discovered the body — partially frozen, wrapped in plastic, and stored inside the shed.
How the Money Was Stolen
Federal prosecutors say that between 2008 and 2025, the veteran had received nearly $1.88 million in disability and retirement benefits from Veterans Affairs and Social Security.
Ditch is accused of stealing at least $650,000 of that money, especially after his uncle’s death. He allegedly sent $1,000 payments to himself regularly, trying to make it look like a salary for caregiving.
But the victim never approved any of those payments, and records show the money was used for Ditch’s personal gain, not his uncle’s care.
Charges Filed Against Ditch
Brian K. Ditch now faces serious federal charges, including:
- 4 counts of wire fraud
- 4 counts of aggravated identity theft
- 2 counts of theft of government property
- 1 count of being a felon in possession of a firearm
If found guilty, Ditch could face decades in prison.
A Shocking Betrayal
Federal authorities called the case “deeply disturbing,” noting the extreme neglect and cruelty shown toward a disabled veteran who had served his country.
“This victim couldn’t defend himself. He relied completely on someone he trusted — and that trust was broken in the worst way,” the indictment says.
Investigations are still ongoing to determine if more financial fraud or related crimes occurred.