A former condominium association head in West Palm Beach has been accused of cashing the association’s checks into his personal account, the Palm Beach Post reported.
Over the years, while in his role as president of the Sussex C Condominiums, Harold Hart would approach the treasurer of the association — who was dealing with several medical complications — for her signature. After the treasurer’s demise, Hart began forging her signature. Hart has now admitted to cashing those checks into his own account, but did not specify what the money was used for. After the confession, he was demoted to acting president. He was arrested Sunday on charges of organized fraud and grand theft.
Police got wind of the case in February 2012, after condo owner Howard O’ Brien complained that Hart denied him access to the association’s bank records.
The association has gotten back most of the stolen money from their insurance company, O’Brien, who is now the association’s treasurer, told the Palm Beach Post. He added a word of caution to other condo owners, saying that “any owner has to be aware of the financial status of their association and always request everything they’re allowed to request following the Florida statutes.” [Palm Beach Post] —Hiten Samtani