In South Florida, four individuals have been charged with orchestrating a deceitful scheme to seize the home of 71-year-old Thomas Hegarty, a dementia patient residing in Hollywood. According to Local 10, they also forcibly relocated him to a rundown boarding facility in Miami Gardens.
Broward County Property Appraiser Marty Kiar, alongside Hollywood Police representatives, detailed the case during a press briefing.
"The victim chosen was incredibly vulnerable," Kiar emphasized, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The Accused and Their Roles
The accused include real estate investors Brandon Lee Miguel and Jordy Luis Perez, both 25, real estate agent Monica Elizabeth Castelli, 56, from Margate, and notary Derek Enrique, 43, from Tamarac. Authorities allege Miguel and Perez exploited Hegarty's cognitive decline to acquire his signature on legal papers, facilitating the fraudulent transfer of his property.
"They exploited the victim's mental deterioration to secure his signature on a power of attorney and warranty deed," investigators reported.
These documents were allegedly fraudulently notarized by Enrique and used to transfer the property to Cash4Keys South Florida, a company controlled by Miguel and Perez. Hegarty's home, located on Mayo Street and valued at approximately $300,000, was sold for just $191,000.
Forced Relocation and Abandonment
The investigation revealed that the suspects orchestrated Hegarty's removal from his home to facilitate access to the property. Miguel and Perez allegedly had Castelli remove Hegarty and place him in a dilapidated boarding house in Miami Gardens, aiming to vacate the premises.
Hegarty was found distressed and in tears, prompting Castelli to return and take him to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood. Hospital staff notified Hegarty's sister-in-law of his predicament.
After Hegarty was removed, the suspects reportedly entered the property and took his belongings. "They allegedly took all his personal possessions, which were later reported missing, including three vehicles," the Broward County Property Appraiser's office stated.
Legal Action and Charges
At the time of their arrests, Cash4Keys South Florida still held control of the property, while Hegarty's family had hired legal counsel to attempt its recovery.
The four accused face a total of 15 charges, including real estate fraud, elder exploitation, and illegal relocation of the victim. Miguel and Perez are each charged with six counts, including organized fraud over $50,000, grand theft over $100,000, false document filing regarding real estate, mortgage fraud, elder exploitation, and money laundering.
Castelli faces two charges: kidnapping to commit a felony and elder exploitation. Meanwhile, Derek Enrique is charged with conducting false or fraudulent notarizations.
This case unfolds amidst growing concern over financial crimes targeting senior citizens in the United States. According to the FBI, nationwide elder fraud complaints surged by 59% in 2025, with losses reaching $7.7 billion, including roughly $709.8 million in Florida alone.
Understanding the Impact of Elder Fraud in Florida
What charges are the accused facing in this case?
The accused face a total of 15 charges related to real estate fraud, elder exploitation, and illegal relocation. Specific charges include organized fraud, grand theft, false document filing, mortgage fraud, and money laundering.
How did the suspects exploit Thomas Hegarty's condition?
The suspects allegedly exploited Hegarty's dementia to obtain his signature on legal documents allowing them to transfer ownership of his home.
What has been the financial impact of elder fraud in the United States?
Elder fraud has resulted in significant financial losses, with the FBI reporting $7.7 billion in losses nationwide in 2025, including approximately $709.8 million in Florida.