Florida officer steals dead man’s identity and home, released on 25k bond

BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. (CBS, KYMA) - Suspended Lauderhill Police officer Brian Sguros bolted out of the doors of the Broward County Jail, covered by two masks.

Marty Kair, Broward Property Appraiser, said, "What's so upsetting about this case is you have a person that's supposed to uphold the law and protect people, yet this officer has been accused of violating the law and defrauding people."

In 2022, Sguros was called to a home in Lauderhill to do a welfare check, where 71-year-old Dennis West was found dead inside.

Investigators said Sguros told the medical examiner that West didn't have any family, had him cremated, and stole his identity.

"And not only did he apparently allegedly take possession of the body, he also took possession of the guy's home," said Kair.

Police said Sguros lived in the home for about three years until new owners bought the property and found him still living there.

Detectives said he also tried to claim ownership of the home through adverse possession.

Sguros faces five criminal charges and has been ordered to not return to the home he's been living in as his own.