Florida officer arrested for allegedly taking over dead man's home

Brian Louis Sguros, a 35-year-old police officer in Lauderhill, Florida, was arrested on Oct. 20, 2026, on five felony charges including official misconduct, identity misuse and computer-related offenses.

Investigators allege Sguros took possession of the home of 71-year-old Dennis West weeks after responding to a welfare check on July 11, 2022, where West was found dead of natural causes.

Authorities state Sguros paid taxes and utilities in West’s name, used West’s identity to obtain renovation permits, forged his signature and accessed law-enforcement databases for information about him.

Sguros allegedly claimed to be West’s friend and stated that West had no surviving relatives, though investigators found no indication the two knew each other.

Sguros joined the Lauderhill Police Department in March 2021 and was relieved of duty on July 22, 2026, as first reported by The Independent.

The charges are allegations.

This report details a criminal case involving alleged identity misuse by a law enforcement officer.