A former condominium property manager in Miami is facing charges over an alleged "ghost employee" scheme that reportedly bilked condo owners out of more than $140,000. Local10 reveals that 37-year-old Yissely Herrouet, who managed the Club at Brickell Bay building, is accused of making unlawful payments to various individuals, including relatives, for non-existent services or services that were already contracted out.
The allegations point to the convergence of personal gain and dereliction of professional duty—a confluence that ultimately prompted Herrouet's arrest. The wrongdoing is said to have transpired from 2016 to 2023, during which time Herrouet allegedly put friends and family members on the payroll for jobs they never actually did or for tasks being covered by other services. CBS News Miami reported that some of these "ghost" workers were double-dipping by receiving payment for janitorial work through an outside contractor.
In a statement obtained by Local10, Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle expressed her office's dedication to protecting property owners from such fraudulent activities. "Thefts from condominium and homeowners' associations continue to be a major priority of my Economic Crimes prosecutors, as too many of these property owners have been victimized by thefts," Rundle said.
Herrouet, as a Licensed Community Association Manager, would have completed extensive training and background checks—the irony not lost on those who trusted her with their community's financial welfare. Residents, though relieved by the accountability, say their plight is not over. "We were left pretty much without being able to take action," resident Alejandra Pelaez told CBS News Miami. "We didn't even have access to sufficient communication to go to the authorities ourselves because when we did go to the authorities, we were limited on the information that we could have, so this really shows a roadblock. And a limitation for homeowners, and it also shows an open door for anybody who wants to commit financial crimes through associations and move a lot of money in Miami."
Beyond criminal charges, Herrouet is also tangled in a civil suit by FirstService Residential Florida, her former employer, seeking restitution of over $220,000, as well as associated legal and audit costs, which could total up to $738,055.20. Herrouet's first court appearance was brief, and while she did not get a chance to speak to the allegations, she was ordered to stay away from the Club at Brickell Bay as per Judge Mindy Glazer's directives. Details on the bond conditions emerged from CBS News Miami, which reported that Herrouet's bond has been set at $45,000.
