Brian Louis Sguros, 35, an officer with the Lauderhill Police Department near Miami, appeared in court on Wednesday to face charges, including the criminal use of a deceased person’s identification.
How the Alleged Scheme Began
According to a press release from the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), Sguros was among the officers sent to check on Dennis West in July 2022. Police had received a call from a concerned neighbour who wanted authorities to check on West’s well-being.
West was found dead inside his home. Authorities said he died of natural causes.
Investigators allege that, within weeks of the discovery, Sguros began a plan to gain control of the property by involving himself in matters related to West’s death.
According to the BSO, Sguros presented himself to the Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office as West’s friend, even though investigators found no evidence that the two men knew each other. He also allegedly claimed that West had no living relatives, which authorities said was untrue.
Investigators further alleged that Sguros paid property taxes and utility bills under West’s name. He is also accused of using the deceased man’s identification to obtain a city permit for repairs, making it appear that West was still alive.
Officer Allegedly Spent More Than $210,000 on Renovations
A 21-page arrest affidavit outlines the allegations against Sguros, including claims that he forged West’s signature on several documents.
Between August 2022 and February 2025, Sguros allegedly spent more than $210,000 of his own money renovating the property. The improvements reportedly included replacing doors and windows in 2024.
According to NBC Miami, the affidavit states that Sguros defended his actions in sworn statements and civil court filings. He reportedly argued that he took possession of the property and carried out repairs because the house was hazardous and he wanted to prevent criminal activity and people from occupying it illegally.
However, investigators also allege that Sguros improperly accessed law enforcement databases to obtain West’s personal information. The information reportedly included his driver’s licence record, date of birth, Social Security number and other identifying details.
Officer and His Wife Later Sought Ownership of the Property
The allegations continued into February 2025, when Sguros and his wife reportedly filed a claim with the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office in an attempt to establish ownership of the house, according to the arrest affidavit.
A neighbour who spoke to WSVN said Sguros regularly talked with her about the property. She alleged that he told her he was renovating the house with plans to rent it out through Airbnb.
The neighbour also recalled Sguros claiming that West had been his friend and had given him the property before his death.
Real Estate Company Uncovered the Alleged Scheme
The case reportedly came to light in August 2025, when a real estate company that had legally purchased the property from West’s heirs sent an employee to take possession of the house.
According to NBC Miami, the employee encountered Sguros at the property.
Sguros eventually handed over the keys. However, he later filed a civil lawsuit against the real estate company, seeking compensation for the money he claimed to have spent renovating the home.
The dispute brought further attention to his alleged efforts to establish a claim over the property.
Officer Placed on Paid Administrative Leave
Sguros was arrested on Tuesday following a months-long investigation by detectives with the Broward Sheriff’s Office. After his arrest, he was placed on paid administrative leave from the Lauderhill Police Department.
He appeared in court in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, facing charges that include official misconduct and the criminal use of a deceased person’s identification.
The court released him on a $25,000 bond.
Sguros could not be reached for comment, and it was not clear whether he had legal representation.
The allegations have not been proven in court. Sguros is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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