In a twist that has stunned neighbors in Stuart, a trusted bookkeeper allegedly siphoned off homeowners’ association money, then disappeared just as investigators closed in. Two local communities are now combing through their books, lining up audits and hoping that insurance, not residents’ checkbooks, will plug the financial hole.
Investigators say she wrote checks to herself
According to CBS12, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office has a warrant out for Alexandra Delacaridad Gonzalez, who handled bookkeeping for Avant-Garde Property Management. Detectives say Gonzalez issued checks from HOA bank accounts to herself, then buried the trail with fake invoices, altered ledger entries and forged signatures that were supposed to authorize the payments.
How authorities say the scheme unfolded
Sheriff John Budensiek described what he says was a slow-burn scheme that picked up steam over time, beginning with a series of $2,000 withdrawals that later jumped to $5,000 at a time, WPBF reports. Subpoenaed financial records allegedly show the money did not go toward landscaping or roof repairs, but instead helped cover vacations, shopping trips and cosmetic procedures.
Board finds trail after new members dug into the books
Whitemarsh Reserve HOA President Lauren Provenzano told reporters the red flags surfaced only after a newly elected board started combing through the numbers and asking more questions, CBS12 reports. Since then, the community has rolled out extra layers of protection, including multiple sign-offs on spending, a new financial committee and deeper audits aimed at catching any future funny business before it snowballs.
Provenzano said Gonzalez came across as polite and professional at meetings, which has made the alleged betrayal feel like a gut punch for many residents.
Other fallout: management fired and insurance claims filed
The Dunes of Hutchinson Island has cut ties with Avant-Garde Property Management, and at least one community has already filed an insurance claim in an effort to recover what was lost, according to WFLX. Neighbors told local outlets they were floored to learn that some of the alleged spending included trips to Disney World and New York, along with wedding-related expenses.
Legal snapshot
Gonzalez is wanted on multiple felony counts, including two counts of fraud over $50,000, two counts of grand theft, 61 counts of uttering false instruments and 59 counts of embezzlement, WSVN reports. Her bond has been set at $1.35 million. Investigators believe she may be somewhere between Miramar and Vero Beach, and they are asking anyone who spots her or knows where she is to contact the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
What residents are watching next
Boards across the Treasure Coast are now staring down a set of uncomfortable choices. Local officials and reporting say communities are weighing expanded audits, insurance recovery options and the possibility of long-term budget fixes that could include higher HOA dues as they work to restore trust, according to WPBF. The owner of Avant-Garde has said the company cooperated with investigators and wants to see justice for its clients, while deputies continue to urge anyone with information to call 772-220-7000.
