Suspended Broward officer accused of taking over deceased man's identity and home bonds out of jail

A suspended Lauderhill police officer faces five criminal charges after allegedly stealing the identity of a deceased man and taking over his home.

Brian Louis Sguros left the Broward County Jail after posting his $25,000 bond on Wednesday afternoon, wearing two surgical masks and saying nothing to cameras. 

Investigators said the scheme began in 2022 when Sguros conducted a welfare check at the home of 71-year-old Dennis West and found him dead. 

Sguros allegedly lied to the medical examiner, claiming West had no family and identifying himself as a friend. He then had West's body cremated and moved into the residence.

According to officials, Sguros also used West's identity to file permits for home renovations.

"What's so upsetting is officers are supposed to uphold the law, and instead he's defrauding people," Broward Property Appraiser Marty Kair said.

Kair noted that property scams happen hundreds of times a year, usually targeting seniors and typically involving realtors or lawyers. However, he said this is the first time a law enforcement officer has been implicated.

Kair offered advice for homeowners looking to protect their estates.

"If you have a property, do a will, name heirs," Kair said. "It's much less likely your loved ones will be defrauded."

"I kind of asked the question why and how he got the house so quickly," neighbor Lethel Hey said.

Detectives said they were alerted to the situation when the original homeowner's relatives sold the home.