A Lauderhill police officer who helped find a homeowner dead during a 2022 welfare check is accused of using the man’s identity to take control of his property. Investigators say Brian Sguros paid bills and taxes, obtained repair permits using the deceased man’s information and later sought a legal claim to the home. He denies wrongdoing in court filings.
Key takeaways
The case centers on a home in Lauderhill, Florida, and the officer’s dealings with the deceased homeowner’s records and property. The accusations remain allegations, and Sguros has also argued that he acted to protect and repair the house.
- Sguros was arrested Oct. 20, 2026, on five felony charges.
- Investigators say he falsely told officials the homeowner had no living relatives.
- The homeowner’s heirs later sold their interests in the property to a real estate company.
- Sguros says he spent more than $200,000 on repairs and sought reimbursement.
How the officer became involved
On July 11, 2022, officers went to Dennis West’s home after a neighbor reported that she had not seen the 71-year-old for weeks. They found West dead; authorities said he had died of natural causes. Sguros was among the officers who responded.
According to investigators, Sguros later told a medical examiner’s office that he was West’s friend and that West had no living family. Authorities say those claims were untrue. Sguros was listed as the informant on West’s death certificate and was later authorized to release his remains for cremation.
Investigators allege years of identity use
A probable-cause affidavit says Sguros used police databases to look up West’s personal information, including his driver’s license details and Social Security number. Investigators allege he then used West’s identity to pay property taxes and utility bills and to obtain permits for repairs, including an application bearing West’s purported signature.
Records cited by investigators show Sguros paid more than $20,000 in property taxes from 2022 to 2024. In February 2025, he and his wife filed paperwork asserting a claim to the property. Authorities say the filings and permit records helped bring the home to the attention of Equinox Realty Holdings.
Property dispute and Sguros’ explanation
Equinox acquired interests in the home from West’s heirs and moved to take possession in 2025. Sguros surrendered the keys but later filed a civil case seeking compensation for renovation costs. In court filings, he said the property was hazardous and neglected, and that he took it over to deter squatters and prevent it from becoming a nuisance. He also said he did not conceal his actions.
Charges and case status
Sguros, 35, faces charges including official misconduct, criminal use of a deceased person’s identification, criminal use of personal identification information, an offense against a computer user and unlawful use of a two-way communications device. He appeared in court after his arrest and was released on bond, according to published reports. The Lauderhill Police Department suspended him. The charges are accusations, and the case has not been resolved in court.
- Florida officer took possession of man’s home after finding him dead 4 years ago, police say, ABC News – Breaking News, Latest News and Videos.
- Florida Cop Accused of Twisted Scheme After Finding Man Dead, The Daily Beast.
- Lauderhill officer accused of using dead man’s identity, Sun Sentinel.
- Florida police officer finds man dead and steals his house and identity, authorities allege | Florida, The Guardian.
- Police officer arrested for posing as a dead man he found in 2022, Dangerous Minds.