A property manager has been arrested in connection with a large-scale theft scheme involving hundreds of thousands of dollars allegedly stolen from a Pembroke Pines condominium association, authorities said.
Michael Christopher Curtis, 38, was arrested Tuesday on one count of grand theft and two counts of criminal use of personal identifiable information, according to Pembroke Pines Police. Investigators noted that Curtis has been arrested twice before on similar theft-related charges involving other condominium communities.
Prosecutors in Broward County allege Curtis previously stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Colonies II condominium association in Lauderdale Lakes and the Fairways of Sunrise community. In both cases, the funds were reportedly part of insurance settlements meant to repair damage caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017. Curtis has pleaded not guilty to those charges.
In October, a jury found Curtis’ company, BDM Management, not liable in a related civil lawsuit involving the Fairways of Sunrise association.
The latest arrest follows a multi-year fraud investigation that uncovered alleged financial misconduct at the Windmill Lakes Condominium Community dating back to 2021. Police said the probe began after homeowners raised concerns about management irregularities.
Investigators discovered lapsed insurance coverage, missing or improperly conducted board elections, and a forgery scheme involving association funds. Authorities allege Curtis forged signatures on more than 350 checks and legal documents connected to the homeowners association.
In one instance, detectives identified an insurance payment intended for hurricane disaster relief that included a management fee payable to Curtis. Investigators later determined Curtis had fabricated additional management fees totaling $46,000 that were not authorized under the insurance agreement.
Police estimate nearly $600,000 was unlawfully obtained through the scheme, adding that other unauthorized payments could push total losses beyond $1 million.
Curtis’ attorney, Elias Hilal, denied the allegations, calling the case a contractual dispute rather than a criminal matter.
“This is a business contract matter being miscast as a crime, and once the entire unbiased set of evidence is presented, it will clear Mr. Curtis,” Hilal said in a statement.
An arrest warrant was issued for Curtis, who later surrendered to authorities to face the charges.
“The police department’s Economic Crimes Unit is fully committed to investigating any fraud or scam that financially impacts our community,” the department said. “No matter how long it takes, we will pursue those who exploit innocent and vulnerable people.”
Aside from BDM Property Management, police said Curtis is also the registered agent of Private Parking Managers, Inc., and has direct ties to All Florida Rental Management, LLC.
