Local
Lauderhill officer faces ID-fraud charges in case involving deceased homeowner
Brian Sguros, 35, appeared in court Wednesday after investigators accused him of using a deceased Lauderhill resident’s identity and city systems to claim the person’s home. A judge set bond at $25,000; the investigation remains active.
A Lauderhill police officer accused of taking control of a deceased resident’s home appeared before a judge Wednesday, where his bond was set at $25,000.
Brian Sguros, 35, faces charges that include criminal use of a deceased person’s personal identification information, criminal use of personal identification information and an offense against computer users. The allegations have not been proven in court.
According to an arrest affidavit, Sguros and other officers responded to a welfare check in Lauderhill in July 2022 and found a resident who had died of natural causes. Investigators allege Sguros later took possession of the home without legal authority.
The affidavit says he used the homeowner’s identity and a notary’s name and seal on a City of Lauderhill building-permit application. He is also accused of sending the documents from his cellphone and accessing the deceased resident’s records through police computers without authorization. The resident’s lawful heirs were later identified.
Lauderhill police said they opened an investigation after receiving a complaint on May 27. Sguros was relieved of duty and placed on paid administrative leave July 22 as the department investigated. After his arrest, he was placed on leave without pay. The investigation is ongoing.