Florida Property Manager Arrested in $600,000 Condo Theft Scheme, Police Say
A South Florida property manager has been arrested following a multi-year investigation into an alleged fraud scheme that drained hundreds of thousands of dollars from a Pembroke Pines condominium association, according to police.
Michael Christopher Curtis, 38, was arrested on one count of grand theft and two counts of criminal use of personal identifiable information, Pembroke Pines Police announced Tuesday. Investigators say Curtis unlawfully obtained nearly $600,000 from the Windmill Lakes Condominium Community, with total unauthorized payments potentially exceeding $1 million.
Curtis surrendered after an arrest warrant was issued.
A Pattern of Alleged Theft
The arrest marks the third time Curtis has faced criminal scrutiny over alleged financial misconduct involving condominium associations. Prosecutors in Broward County have previously alleged that Curtis stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Colonies II condominium association in Lauderdale Lakes and the Fairways of Sunrise condominium community. In both cases, authorities said the funds were tied to insurance settlements intended to repair hurricane damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017. Curtis has pleaded not guilty to those earlier charges. In October, a jury found Curtis’ company, BDM Management, not liable in a civil lawsuit brought by the Fairways of Sunrise association.
Windmill Lakes Investigation
According to Pembroke Pines Police, the latest arrest stems from a fraud investigation that began after homeowners raised concerns about financial irregularities at Windmill Lakes dating back to 2021. Detectives said they uncovered a wide range of issues, including:
Missing or improper board elections
Lapsed insurance coverage
Forged documents and signatures
Unauthorized withdrawals from association accounts
Police allege Curtis forged signatures on more than 350 checks and legal documents connected to the homeowners association. In one case, investigators identified an insurance payment meant for hurricane disaster relief that included a legitimate management fee. Police say Curtis went further, fabricating additional management fees totaling $46,000 that were not authorized or eligible for payment.
Defense Pushes Back
Curtis’ attorney, Elias Hilal, rejected the allegations, framing the case as a contractual dispute rather than criminal conduct.
“This is a business contract matter being miscast as a crime,” Hilal said in a statement. “Once the entire unbiased set of evidence is presented, it will clear Mr. Curtis.”
Broader Business Ties
In addition to BDM Property Management, police say Curtis is the registered agent of Private Parking Managers, Inc. and has direct ties to All Florida Rental Management, LLC. Investigators are now reviewing whether similar misconduct occurred across other communities connected to those entities.
Police Seek Additional Victims
Pembroke Pines Police emphasized that the investigation remains active and encouraged anyone who experienced unusual or suspicious financial activity involving Curtis or his companies to come forward.
“No matter the length of time it takes, our agency will utilize every available resource to locate and arrest criminals who exploit innocent and vulnerable people within our city,” the department said in a statement.
Residents with information are urged to contact the Pembroke Pines Police Department’s Economic Crimes Unit at 954-431-2200.
