South Florida Property Manager Accused of Grand Theft and Perjury
Investigation Uncovers Allegations of Fraud and Abuse of Power
A property manager featured in an NBC6 Investigation is under arrest, accused of grand theft and perjury. Prosecutors claim that Michael Curtis and his company, BDM Property Management, stole a nearly half-a-million-dollar insurance settlement from homeowners at the Fairways of Sunrise.
Homeowners Feel Relief as Justice is Served
Homeowners at the community say they finally feel like someone is listening after police arrested Curtis on Saturday. “I saw the text and I was like, ‘thank you, Jesus!’ Finally, something is being done about this,” said homeowner Claudia Knight.
Allegations of Abuse of Power and Misuse of Funds
People living in several South Florida condo communities have been fighting for years to take back control of where they live. They told NBC6 that their property manager, hired by their boards, has been abusing his power and their money. Investigators say Curtis stole insurance money paid to the community for damage caused by Hurricane Irma and lied to homeowners about the payment.
Legal Battle Continues
During Curtis’ court appearance on Monday, his lawyer questioned what proof police have. “They have nothing in here that shows it was taken without permission other than this officer’s statement,” said Elias Hilal, the attorney representing Curtis. Records filed in civil court show Curtis signed the settlement agreement in January 2020, which left Fairways with over $444,000. Days after the association got the funds, investigators say an unauthorized check was made to Curtis’ company.
Consequences of the Alleged Actions
Because of the Irma money not being there, people have to be trying to fix their own places, said Knight. “He got the money. He took it, hid it from us,” Davis said, adding Curtis never told owners the money had been paid. Video from a recorded meeting in June 2021 shows Curtis telling them instead, the insurance company got the case dismissed, and no money would be paid.
Revocation of Licenses and Ongoing Investigation
Fairways cut ties with Curtis in 2021 and have been in litigation with him ever since. Curtis is charged with perjury for allegedly lying under oath in that case, telling a judge he was “not aware” of any money paid by the insurance company. In September, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation revoked Curtis and BDM’s licenses based on his conduct at the Fairways of Sunrise, according to the revocation order. However, he has been able to keep working at least temporarily as he appeals the revocation in court.
Conclusion
The allegations against Michael Curtis and BDM Property Management are serious and have far-reaching consequences for the homeowners at the Fairways of Sunrise and potentially other communities managed by the company. The investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what the outcome will be.
FAQs
* What are the allegations against Michael Curtis and BDM Property Management?
+ The allegations include grand theft and perjury, with claims that Curtis stole a nearly half-a-million-dollar insurance settlement and lied to homeowners about the payment.
* What is the status of the investigation?
+ The investigation is ongoing, with Curtis currently being held on a $100,000 bond and a judge requiring him to show any funds used to bond out were obtained legitimately.
* What is the current status of Curtis’ licenses?
+ His licenses were revoked in September, but he is appealing the decision in court.
