Florida HOA President Arrested For Grand Theft

A homeowners association president arrested for grand theft managed to steal $44,000 from his HOA. And residents understandably feel dumbfounded by the turn of events.

The Duty to Collect Fees

Anyone who has ever been a part of a homeowners association knows that paying regular dues simply comes with the deal. And it is board members who take on the task of collecting these dues and using them to pay for the community’s expenses.

However, any organization that handles money is always vulnerable to financial crimes. One community in Oakland Park, Florida, found that out the hard way.

Suspicions Mount

Residents of the Oakland Forest Homeowner Association first started getting suspicious 2 years ago. They found out that the association’s reserves had dwindled significantly — about half a million dollars short.

Then came the checks for supposed “supplies” that didn’t come with any receipts for proof. Rodolfo Price, a resident, proposed waving dues in the meantime while they attempted to trace where the money had gone.

He confronted Harry Murphy, the 76-year-old president of the HOA, about the missing money. According to Price, Murphy’s response was that “the attorneys are taking care of it.” Price, who is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), was not buying it.

Turning to Special Assessments

Residents are now concerned that they will have to pay a hefty special assessment to make up for the loss. Without money, the association and its members will suffer the consequences. And, as the HOA is currently in bad financial shape, residents are bracing themselves for an expensive sum.

President Arrested for Grand Theft

Murphy has been accused of stashing away more than $44,000 of association funds. Resident Jo Ellen Gould described the situation as “astounding” and “horrifying.”

According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Murphy managed to steal money by writing himself personal checks from the HOA. Murphy even used many thousands to pay for his personal car.

Murphy has been charged with grand theft, with a bond set at $2,500. He subsequently bonded out of jail.