Florida Officer Faces Charges in Dead Man's Home Takeover

A Florida police officer was arrested in October 2026 after investigators accused him of using a deceased man's identity to take control of his home in Lauderhill, South Florida, and live there for years. Brian Louis Sguros allegedly moved into Dennis West's property weeks after responding to a welfare check that led to the discovery of West's body in July 2022. According to the Broward County Sheriff's Office, Sguros faces five criminal charges involving official misconduct, identity misuse, computer-related offenses and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Investigators allege he spent more than $214,000 renovating the property before its rightful heirs attempted to sell it. West, 71, died of cardiovascular disease, according to reports by ABC News, BBC News and other outlets. His relatives had not realized he had died, as they believed his private nature explained why he had stopped communicating with them.

The Broward County Sheriff's Office said Sguros became involved in West's affairs after the welfare check on July 11, 2022. Investigators allege the officer told the county medical examiner's office that he was West's friend and that the deceased man had no surviving relatives, although authorities found no indication the two men knew each other and identified surviving family members.

According to the BBC, Sguros subsequently arranged for West's body to be cremated. Investigators say he took possession of the house in August 2022 and used West's identity to manage property-related matters. The sheriff's office said Sguros paid property taxes and utility bills under West's name, making it appear that the deceased man remained alive. Investigators also allege he used law enforcement databases to obtain West's personal information and forged his signature on a repair permit.

In February 2025, Sguros allegedly submitted paperwork to the Broward County Property Appraiser's Office claiming he had possessed the property since August 2022, according to the incident report. The investigation was conducted jointly by the sheriff's office and the property appraiser's Crimes Against Property Unit. According to court documents cited by ABC News and BBC News, Sguros said he took over the property because it was hazardous and he wanted to prevent squatters and criminal activity. He claimed to have cleaned, secured, repaired and rehabilitated the home, including seeking an $8,000 permit for exterior doors and windows.

Investigators say the case came to light when West's heirs tried to sell the house. After returning the keys to the rightful owners, Sguros allegedly sought reimbursement for the improvements he had made, according to court documents. The allegations have not been proven in court.

Sguros appeared before a judge on October 21, 2026, and was released after posting a $25,000 bond. The judge ordered him to stay away from West's property. Reports from ABC News and BBC News differed on whether Sguros was on administrative leave with or without pay.

The Lauderhill Police Department confirmed to the BBC that he had been relieved of duty and placed on administrative leave while the case proceeded.

The case also highlights the broader problem of property fraud. According to the FBI's 2025 Internet Crime Complaint Center report, authorities received 12,368 real estate fraud complaints that year, involving losses exceeding $275 million. Older adults accounted for $123.6 million of the reported losses.