Miami-Dade County’s Hammocks Homeowners Association, with its 18,400 residents, has been at the center of a fraud investigation that has led to the arrest of a sixth individual. Ivan Dario Diez, a vendor who allegedly billed the HOA for $172,000 worth of work that was never completed, has now been charged in connection with the multimillion-dollar scheme.
Diez joins five other board members who were arrested in November 2022 for racketeering and fraud, accused of stealing over $1 million from residents. However, the State Attorney’s Office revealed that the total amount misappropriated by these individuals exceeded $6 million.
In a recent development, former HOA vice president Monica Ghilardi and former treasurer Myriam Arango Rodgers have accepted plea deals for grand theft. Ghilardi, who received over $200,000 in stolen funds, and Rodgers, who signed checks for vendors who provided no services, will cooperate with the ongoing investigation. Rodgers will serve five years of probation as part of her plea agreement.
Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle emphasized the importance of cooperation in the case, urging other individuals involved in the scheme to come forward before facing arrest. She stated that those responsible for the fraudulent activities would be pursued and held accountable for their actions.
Diez is expected to appear in bond court to face charges including grand theft and organized fraud. The State Attorney’s Office continues to work towards recovering funds for the deceived residents of the Hammocks HOA.
As the investigation unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in homeowners associations. Residents rely on these organizations to manage their communities and finances responsibly, making it essential for board members and vendors to uphold ethical standards.
Moving forward, authorities will continue to pursue justice in this case and ensure that those responsible for defrauding the Hammocks Homeowners Association are held accountable. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and vigilant in order to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
