Florida officer accused of taking dead man's home and identity is on leave
Lauderhill police officer Brian Louis Sguros, 35, is on paid leave and faces up to five felony charges over allegations he took over the home and identity of a man he found dead.
Brian Louis Sguros, 35, a Lauderhill police officer, is on paid administrative leave. ABC News reports he could be charged with as many as five felonies. He is accused of taking over the home and identity of a man he found dead during a welfare check.
BBC News reports that authorities found out about the alleged scheme when the dead man's heirs tried to sell the south Florida house. CBS News says the alleged takeover began more than four years ago.
The dead man was Dennis West. NBC News reports he was found in his home in July 2022. NBC says the officer allegedly moved in, renovated the house and used West's identity for years.
The Guardian reports that Sguros appeared in court on Wednesday. His charges include criminal use of a deceased person's identification. The Guardian also reports that authorities say he spent years renovating the property for himself.
According to The Guardian, Sguros says he took possession of the house and renovated it to prevent criminal activity and squatting.
Reported by
- NBC NewsOfficer who found man dead in Florida home allegedly moved in, renovated and assumed his identity for yearsWed, Oct 21, 4:02 PM EDT
- The GuardianFlorida police officer finds man dead and steals his house and identity, authorities allegeThu, Oct 22, 9:13 AM EDT
- BBC NewsFlorida officer accused of stealing dead man's identity and moving into his homeThu, Oct 22, 4:28 PM EDT
- ABC NewsWATCH: Florida officer accused of stealing dead man's identity to take over his houseThu, Oct 22, 9:27 PM EDT
- CBS NewsFlorida cop accused of stealing dead man's identity and moving into his homeFri, Oct 23, 11:05 AM EDT
- CBS NewsA Florida cop found a dead man, had him cremated and stole his identity, prosecutors sayFri, Oct 23, 1:17 PM EDT
This story was written by AI using only the reports listed above, and published without a person reviewing it first. It is rewritten as new reports arrive. Read the original reporting for full detail. Spot an error? Tell us.
Earlier versions (1)
- Thu, Oct 22, 9:25 AM EDT, 2 outlets: Florida officer charged with taking dead man's house and identity