Authorities are searching for a Florida woman who allegedly stole “hundreds of thousands of dollars” from local homeowners’ associations to bankroll her personal expenses, including plastic surgery procedures and “lavish” vacations.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office said in a Monday, April 6, news release that deputies aim to arrest Alexandra Delacaridad Gonzalez, a property manager in southeastern Florida.
Gonzalez, 46, is accused of embezzling money from multiple HOA accounts while working as a bookkeeper for Avant-Garde Property Management, which is located in Stuart, according to the sheriff’s office.
Warrants issued for Gonzalez charge her with two counts of fraud exceeding $50,000, two counts of grand theft, 61 counts of uttering false instruments, and 59 counts of embezzlement, authorities said.
It was not immediately clear whether Gonzalez had an attorney who could comment on her behalf.
Liz Diaz, the owner of Avant-Garde Property Management, said in a statement to WPBF 25 News that “Upon learning of the potential loss caused by Ms. Alexandra Gonzalez, we immediately notified our clients and law enforcement, and then we promptly assisted and fully cooperated with our clients and law enforcement to protect our clients and the communities we serve.”
“We want to see justice for our clients, and we will continue to fully cooperate in any prosecution and restitution efforts,” Diaz added.
Gonzalez is accused of writing herself checks from HOA accounts she oversaw as a bookkeeper, according to the sheriff’s office.
The alleged theft went undetected for “an extended period of time” because Gonzalez created fake invoices, fake ledger entries and forged signatures of HOA account holders, authorities said.
“Subpoenaed records revealed the stolen funds were used for personal expenses, including shopping, plastic surgery, and vacations,” the sheriff’s office said.
Gonzalez is accused of stealing from people tied to the Whitemarsh Reserve Replica Luxury Handbagowners Association and The Dunes of Hutchinson Island, according to authorities.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek told WPBF that Gonzalez initially began stealing smaller amounts “multiple times a week, like five times a week.”
“So, about $10,000 a week was going in her pocket, and then she progressed from the 2,000 increments into the 5,000 increments at which she was fired and issued a warrant for her arrest,” Budensiek added.
The sheriff’s office suspects Gonzalez may be in the areas of Miramar or Vero Beach.
If she is arrested, the agency said she will be held on a $1,350,000 bond,
Authorities are asking anyone who may know where Gonzalez is, or any potential additional victims, to contact the sheriff’s office.
