Four South Floridians are accused of using false documents to transfer a 71-year-old man’s Hollywood home to a real estate investment company, then moving him out and removing his belongings. Authorities say the man had severe dementia and could not understand the paperwork. The four face a combined 15 charges related to the alleged scheme.
Key takeaways
The allegations involve a home valued at about $300,000 and an effort to relocate its longtime owner, according to the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office.
- Two company administrators, a Realtor and a notary are charged.
- Investigators allege the transfer relied on a power of attorney and warranty deed that were falsely notarized.
- The homeowner’s relatives prompted an investigation after raising concerns about the transfer and his mental condition.
How authorities say the transfer happened
Hollywood police began investigating after relatives reported suspicious circumstances surrounding the transfer of the man’s home and raised concerns about his cognitive state. The homeowner, identified in court records as Thomas P. Hegarty, had lived in the house for more than two decades, according to the property appraiser’s office.
Investigators allege that Brandon Lee Miguel and Jordy Luis Perez obtained Hegarty’s signature on a power-of-attorney document and a warranty deed. Authorities say the deed was falsely notarized and used to transfer the property to a company associated with the two men. The property appraiser’s office said Hegarty had documented dementia and significant cognitive impairment that left him unable to understand the documents or their consequences.
The four defendants and charges
Miguel and Perez, both 25, are listed in state business records as authorized members of Cash4Keys South Florida, a Miami-based real estate investment company. Each faces six charges, including allegations of an organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, filing false property documents, mortgage fraud, exploitation of an elderly person and money laundering.
Monica Elizabeth Castelli, 56, a Margate Realtor, is charged with kidnapping with intent to facilitate a felony and exploitation of an elderly person. Derek Enrique, 43, of Tamarac, a notary public, faces a charge related to false or fraudulent acknowledgments.
Alleged move and case status
Authorities allege Miguel and Perez arranged for Castelli to take Hegarty to a rooming house in Miami Gardens. Afterward, the men allegedly entered the Hollywood home and removed his belongings, including three cars. The home, on Mayo Street, was listed in property records as owned by a company established by Miguel and Perez.
The allegations have not been proven in court. At the time of the report, Castelli and Enrique had not entered pleas, and further court information about Miguel’s and Perez’s cases was not available. Attorney information was also unavailable.
- 4 accused in plot to take home of 71-year-old with dementia, Sun Sentinel.