Miami Cash4Keys Execs Accused of Stealing Vulnerable Senior’s Home in Brazen Scheme

A Florida man's $300,000 home was allegedly stolen in a real estate scheme dubbed “Operation Dirty Deed,” which investigators say involved fraudulent documents and the exploitation of the homeowner's dementia.

The case took a disturbing turn when the 71-year-old man, identified in court records as Thomas P. Hegarty, was allegedly kidnapped from his longtime Hollywood home and discarded at a "dilapidated rooming house" several miles away, according to the Broward County Property Appraiser's Office.

Now, two executives for Cash4Keys, a South Florida real estate investment company, each face six criminal charges in connection with the alleged plot. A notary and real estate agent also face charges in connection with the alleged scheme.

“His home was taken from him,” Hollywood Police Department Detective Theo Defreze said at a news conference last week. “He lost all of his possessions―belongings, cars. I mean, he lost everything."

Investigators allege that Brandon Lee Miguel and Jordy Luis Perez obtained Hegarty's signature on a power of attorney document and a warranty deed, which were then used to transfer ownership of the property to their company, Cash4Keys.

Monica Elizabeth Castelli, 56, a real estate agent with United Realty Group, is accused of kidnapping Hegarty, while Derek Enrique, 43, allegedly notarized the documents used in the transfer.

Hegarty’s property on Mayo Street was valued at approximately $300,000 but was allegedly transferred to the company for just $191,000.

Broward County property appraiser Marty Kiar said at the news conference that there is no evidence Hegarty received any of the money and that the suspects used the man's severe case of dementia to take advantage of him and take over his home.

The investigation was launched after Hegarty's family raised concerns about his declining health and became suspicious about the recent transfer of his home.

His sister-in-law, Peggy Hegarty, who was contacted by the rooming house where he had allegedly been taken, told CBS News that he believed he was signing paperwork to refinance his home, not sell it.

“It's shocking. Absolutely shocking," she said.

When she traveled from her home in Georgia to Florida after learning what had happened, she found Hegarty depressed, in shock, and not eating, according to the report. He is now living in an assisted-living facility in Jacksonville.

“Investigators allege that due to documented dementia and significant cognitive impairment, the victim was incapable of understanding the documents he was signing and appreciating their consequences,” the Broward County Property Appraiser's Office said in the news release.

After the alleged transfer, Miguel and Perez arranged for Castelli, of Margate, to remove Hegarty from his home, authorities said.

Castelli allegedly drove Hegarty to a “dilapidated rooming house” in Miami Gardens and left him there, according to investigators. Hegarty was distraught and crying, which then led to Castelli driving him to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood. 

Once Hegarty was gone from his house, Miguel and Perez allegedly went inside and removed his personal belongings, including three vehicles, according to the property appraiser's office. 

Miguel and Perez each face six charges, including organized scheme to defraud $50,000 or more, grand theft exceeding $100,000, unlawful filing of false documents affecting real property, mortgage fraud, exploitation of an elderly person, and money laundering.

Castelli faces charges of kidnapping with intent to facilitate the commission of a felony and exploitation of an elderly person. Enrique faces one count of false or fraudulent acknowledgments.

Kiar said Cash4Keys still controls the property, but added that Hegarty's family has hired an attorney in an effort to get the home back.

Investigators believe the scheme could extend beyond Hegarty’s home, suspecting there may be additional victims and properties involved.

Realtor.com reached out to Cash4Keys South Florida for comment but did not receive an immediate response.

The case has also prompted warnings from local officials about the vulnerability of older homeowners to real estate fraud.

Kiar urged South Florida residents with elderly relatives to monitor their family members' finances and consider enrolling in the free Owner Alert program, which notifies property owners when a deed transaction occurs.

“It’s very upsetting, very sad, and what really bothers me is the person they picked on was about as vulnerable as they come and that really is what makes this case a case that’s very sad,” Kiar said. “I’m very glad that people have been arrested, and they will have their day in court.”