Brian Louis Sguros was arrested Oct. 20 and charged with five offenses, including official misconduct, criminal use of a deceased person’s identification and criminal use of personal identification information, according to a joint release from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office and the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office. The home is valued at more than $400,000.

Investigators say the case began July 11, 2022, when Sguros responded as a backup officer to a welfare check at the home of Dennis West. A neighbor had reported not seeing West for about two weeks. West was found dead inside, and investigators determined he had died of natural causes, the release said.

Authorities allege that Sguros later took over West’s personal and financial affairs. Medical examiner’s office records indicate Sguros identified himself as West’s friend and said West had no living family. Investigators said they found no evidence the two men knew each other. Sguros allegedly offered to arrange West’s funeral and took possession of his remains.

Investigators further allege that Sguros used West’s Florida driver’s license to make it appear West was still alive, and forged West’s signature on a notarized building-permit application and a home repair contract. The notary whose seal appeared on the paperwork told investigators she did not recognize the documents and had not signed them, according to the release.

The investigation was conducted by the sheriff’s office and the Property Appraiser’s Office Crimes Against Property Unit, which includes detectives from multiple local and state law enforcement agencies. Authorities said they believe Sguros used his position to access information for personal benefit.

The allegations have not been proven in court. The release did not provide further details about Sguros’ legal representation or the status of the home.