A Florida police officer was arrested on Tuesday after being accused of taking possession of a home belonging to a man he had found dead during a police intervention in 2022, and using the man's identity to carry out official transactions as if the owner were still alive.
The 35-year-old officer, who is part of the Lauderhill Police Department in Broward County, allegedly took advantage of his knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the death to occupy the property without authorization, pay taxes and services in the name of the deceased, and manage construction permits with allegedly forged documents.
According to a report from Telemundo 51, the officer, identified by the initials B. S., faces multiple criminal charges related to the misuse of personal information, misconduct in the performance of his duties, and cybercrimes.
The case dates back to July 11, 2022, when the officer responded as backup to a residence in Lauderhill during a wellness check on its occupant.
Inside, the police found 71-year-old Dennis West deceased, having died of natural causes.
According to research published by WPBF 25 News, the officer presented himself to the Broward County Medical Examiner's Office as a friend of the deceased, although investigators found no evidence that they knew each other.
He also claimed that West had no living relatives, a statement that was later proven to be false. Authorities identified the man's legal heirs, who had rights to the property.
He was paying the deceased's bills and is believed to have forged his signature
According to the details published by Boca Post, he was paying property taxes and utility bills using the name of the deceased.
The detectives also determined that he had used his personal information to obtain municipal permits intended for repairs on the house.
In one of those documents, the agent allegedly forged the owner's signature. Furthermore, he is said to have used the name and seal of a notary without authorization.
The investigation indicates that the officer also took advantage of his access to law enforcement databases to look up personal information about the deceased.
Another relevant detail emerged while reviewing documents submitted to the Property Appraisal Office of Broward County.
In February 2025, the agent stated that he had possession of the property since August 2022, just a few weeks after West's passing.
Nevertheless, the authorities have not confirmed that he was able to obtain legal ownership of the property.
Arrested four years after the death
The criminal investigation began on May 27, 2026, after authorities received a report about possible irregularities.
The Broward Sheriff's Office and the specialized property crimes unit of the County Appraisal Office participated in the investigations. On July 22, the Lauderhill Police Department removed the officer from duty.
Among the crimes attributed to him are improper conduct in public functions, illegal use of a deceased person's identification, illegal use of personal information, cybercrimes, and unlawful use of communication devices.
Related videos:
Filed under: