Local
Four charged in alleged effort to transfer Hollywood home from man with dementia
Broward authorities say four people used allegedly fraudulent documents to move a 71-year-old man’s home, valued at more than $300,000, to a company controlled by two of the suspects. Investigators say he was taken from the home to a Miami Gardens rooming house and personal belongings, including three vehicles, went missing.
Four people have been arrested in connection with an alleged scheme to take control of a 71-year-old man’s Hollywood home, which authorities say is worth more than $300,000.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office said the man had dementia and investigators believe he did not understand documents he signed. The case began after a family member, worried about his mental condition and suspicious of a change involving his residence, contacted Hollywood police.
Investigators allege Brandon Lee Miguel, 25, and Jordy Luis Perez, 25, obtained the man’s signature on a power of attorney and a deed. The documents were allegedly notarized and used to transfer the property to a company controlled by Miguel and Perez.
Authorities say Miguel and Perez also arranged for Monica Elizabeth Castelli, 56, to remove the man from his home. He was taken to a rooming house in Miami Gardens, according to investigators. After he was gone, the four suspects allegedly entered the Hollywood home and removed personal property reported missing, including three vehicles.
Miguel and Perez face charges including organized scheme to defraud of $50,000 or more, grand theft exceeding $100,000, filing false documents affecting real property, mortgage fraud, exploitation of an elderly person and money laundering. Castelli faces charges of kidnapping with intent to facilitate a felony and exploitation of an elderly person. Derek Enrique, 43, was charged with making a false or fraudulent acknowledgment.
Hollywood police and the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Crimes Against Property Unit led the investigation. The allegations have not been proven in court.