Florida police officer accused of identity theft and property seizure

Brian Sguros, a 35-year-old officer with the Lauderhill Police Department, faces five felony charges following allegations that he orchestrated a scheme to take control of a deceased man's home.

The incident began in August 2022 when Sguros responded to a welfare check and discovered Dennis West dead of natural causes. Authorities allege that Sguros then impersonated West, using the deceased man's identification to pay taxes, obtain permits, and manage utilities to make it appear the residence was still occupied.

According to arrest affidavits, Sguros spent over $210,000 on home improvements, including replacing doors and windows, to maintain the property. The scheme was uncovered after the heirs of Dennis West sold the home to a real estate group in 2025, at which time Sguros was still residing there.

In legal filings, Sguros defended his actions, claiming he took possession of the property to prevent squatters and criminal activity, arguing the house was hazardous and unstable. He has since been suspended from his position and faces charges including official misconduct and criminal use of a deceased person's identification.