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Florida Cop Accused of Identity Theft and Homejacking
23 Oct
Summary
- Officer allegedly stole identity of a deceased man he found during a welfare check.
- He then moved into the man's home and renovated it over several years.
- The scheme was discovered when the deceased man's heirs attempted to sell the property.
In August 2022, Florida officer Brian Sguros allegedly initiated a complex scheme after discovering a man dead from natural causes during a welfare check. Sguros reportedly impersonated the deceased, Dennis West, by telling authorities he was a friend with no known relatives. He then took possession of West's south Florida home, moving in and beginning renovations.
Investigators discovered Sguros had filed paperwork in 2025 to legitimize his possession dating back to August 2022, claiming he was preventing squatters and had improved the property's value significantly. He paid utility bills in West's name and obtained permits for renovations costing approximately $8,000. The full extent of his claimed investment exceeded $214,000.
Law enforcement became aware of the alleged fraud in 2026 when West's heirs attempted to sell the property. Sguros was arrested and faces multiple charges, including official misconduct and identity theft. He was subsequently placed on administrative leave with pay by the Lauderhill Police Department.
