A Lauderhill woman has been arrested after allegedly defrauding Broward County of nearly $82,000 through fraudulent claims submitted to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). The Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office (BCPA) initiated the investigation following a tip from county officials about a possible Homestead Exemption violation.
Instead of finding a simple exemption issue, the BCPA’s exemption fraud unit uncovered a complex scheme involving fraudulent rental claims. Investigators identified Sandra Janet Martin, 57, of Lauderhill, who allegedly falsified her ownership of four different properties to receive rental reimbursements through the ERAP program. While Martin owned one property in Lauderhill, the other three properties were owned by individuals with the same name—Sandra Martin—though they were not related to her, according to BCPA officials.
None of the properties, including Martin’s own, were ever rented out, and the legitimate property owners had no knowledge of the fraudulent claims. ERAP, a program launched by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, was intended to provide rental assistance to families facing financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Martin is accused of defrauding the program of approximately $81,950. She faces multiple felony charges, including Organized Scheme to Defraud, Grand Theft, and Criminal Use of Personal Information.
On March 11, Martin was arrested by the Broward Sheriff’s Office, booked into the Broward Main Jail, and released the following day on a $6,000 bond. Court records show she has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Authorities credited the swift response by Broward County officials and the collaboration between Broward County Property Appraiser Marty Kiar, Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony, and State Attorney Harold Pryor in bringing an end to Martin’s alleged fraudulent activities.
