A 66-year-old man from Citrus County who was indicted last month on one count of receiving stolen government property is facing an additional charge after he allegedly threatened to assault federal agents with knives.
On Tuesday, a grand jury returned a two-count superseding indictment charging Phil Henry Taylor, of Homosassa, with forcibly assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon and receipt of stolen government property.
If convicted, Taylor faces up to 20 years in federal prison on the assault charge and up to 10 years behind bars on the fraud charge.
On December 12, 2023, Taylor and his stepdaughter, Patricia Clinard, were each charged with receiving stolen government property.
According to court records, between February 26, 2016 and March 2, 2020, Taylor and Clinard allegedly obtained Social Security benefits from an account belonging to Taylor’s late wife by forging her name on checks. After the return of the indictment for the receipt of stolen government property, federal warrants were issued for both of their arrests.
On January 4, 2024, special agents with the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General attempted to arrest Taylor at his home. He allegedly refused to exit and told the agents that he would “stab them if they entered.”
Agents forced entry into the home through the front door and observed Taylor holding two large knives. He eventually dropped the knives and was taken into custody without further incident.
An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.