A property manager and a construction company owner are facing serious criminal charges after Miami-Dade County investigators uncovered an elaborate kickback scheme that allegedly siphoned more than $180,000 from a local homeowner’s association. The charges announced on September 10, 2026, reveal a troubling pattern of fraud that left residents dealing with deteriorating living conditions while the two men allegedly enriched themselves at the community’s expense.
Carlos Mejia, who served as the property manager at Venetian Gardens at Country Club of Miami, and Richard Thomas Murray, the owner of AP Construction Solutions, worked together in the alleged scheme according to Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. The announcement came during a news conference where prosecutors detailed how the arrangement harmed both the association’s finances and the physical condition of the residential complex.
How the Miami HOA Kickback Scheme Operated
According to investigators, the kickback scheme involved a sophisticated method of disguising illegal payments. Murray’s companies allegedly paid Mejia bribes that were labeled as loan agreements to avoid detection. This arrangement allowed the property manager to pocket substantial sums while steering lucrative contracts to Murray’s construction firm.
The arrest affidavit reveals that AP Construction Solutions issued more than $180,000 to Mejia between October 2024 and September 2025. During this period, Murray’s company received contracts from the homeowner’s association with amounts that investigators say were artificially inflated. This meant residents were paying significantly more than necessary for construction services while their property manager collected secret payments.
The scheme represents a significant breach of trust in a community where HOA members rely on their property manager to act in their best interests. For Latino homeowners and residents across Miami-Dade County, this case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of financial oversight within homeowner associations.
Property Conditions Deteriorated During Fraud Period
Perhaps most troubling is what happened to the Venetian Gardens property while the alleged kickback scheme was underway. State Attorney Fernandez Rundle told reporters that the scheme led to serious problems in the complex, including significant plumbing issues and roofing problems. Residents found themselves living in increasingly difficult conditions as the property crumbled around them.
“Carlos Jose Mejia had a duty to serve those residents at the Venetian Gardens. Instead he engaged in a scheme to line his own pockets at the expense of every single owner at Venetian Gardens. And all the while the property became unbearable and perhaps dangerous as it crumbled around its residents.”
The State Attorney’s words underscore the dual nature of the alleged crime. Not only were homeowners allegedly defrauded financially, but they also suffered tangible consequences in their daily living conditions. Plumbing failures and roofing deficiencies can create health hazards, water damage, and significant quality of life issues for residents of any residential community.
Whistleblowers Help Expose the Miami HOA Fraud
The alleged kickback scheme might have continued undetected if not for the courage of two key whistleblowers. Authorities revealed that a salesman previously associated with both the condominium and Murray’s company helped bring the situation to investigators’ attention. Additionally, one of Murray’s own employees came forward with information about the alleged fraudulent activities.
For HOA members across South Florida and throughout the United States, this aspect of the case highlights the critical role that informed insiders can play in exposing financial misconduct. When employees and associates notice irregularities, their willingness to report suspicious activities can protect entire communities from ongoing harm. Similar cases of criminal charges in Miami-Dade County have relied on community members stepping forward with vital information.
The whistleblower involvement in this case also demonstrates that fraud schemes, no matter how carefully disguised, often leave traces that observant individuals can identify. Loan agreements that don’t require repayment, inflated contracts, and deteriorating property conditions despite ongoing construction work are all potential red flags that community members should watch for.
Criminal Charges Against Property Manager and Contractor
The criminal charges filed against the two men reflect the severity of the alleged fraud. Carlos Mejia faces 10 counts of receiving a kickback and one count of organized scheme to defraud. The multiple kickback charges suggest prosecutors believe the illegal payments occurred on numerous separate occasions throughout the 11-month period documented in the investigation.
Richard Thomas Murray faces one count of organized scheme to defraud. While his charge count is lower than Mejia’s, the organized scheme to defraud charge is a serious felony that can carry significant prison time upon conviction. Both men will need to answer these charges in Miami-Dade County court.
These charges send a clear message that financial crimes targeting homeowner associations will be prosecuted vigorously. For the Latino community and all Miami-Dade residents, this case reinforces that law enforcement takes HOA fraud seriously, particularly when it affects vulnerable communities and residential properties.
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How to Protect Your HOA from Similar Schemes
This Miami HOA kickback case offers important lessons for homeowners and association board members across Florida and the entire United States. Understanding the warning signs of potential fraud can help communities protect themselves from similar schemes. Here are key steps every HOA should consider:
- Regular financial audits by independent certified public accountants can identify unusual payment patterns
- Competitive bidding requirements for all construction contracts prevent single-contractor arrangements
- Board oversight of all property manager decisions regarding vendor selection
- Transparent documentation of all loans, payments, and financial agreements involving association funds
- Whistleblower policies that encourage employees and residents to report suspicious activities
For Spanish-speaking homeowners who may be less familiar with HOA governance in the United States, attending board meetings and requesting financial statements in understandable formats is essential. Many Florida associations are required to provide financial records to members upon request, and exercising this right helps ensure accountability.
The Venetian Gardens case also highlights the importance of monitoring property conditions. When residents notice that maintenance problems persist despite ongoing contractor work and association payments, this disconnect may signal that funds are being misappropriated. Documenting issues and raising concerns at HOA meetings creates a record that can support investigations if fraud is later suspected.
Florida law provides several protections for condominium and HOA residents, including requirements for annual financial reporting and restrictions on conflicts of interest. Residents who suspect financial misconduct can contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation or local law enforcement to report their concerns.
What is a kickback scheme in an HOA context?
A kickback scheme occurs when a property manager or board member receives secret payments from contractors or vendors in exchange for steering association business their way. These payments are typically disguised as legitimate transactions and often result in inflated contract prices that cost homeowners more money.
How much money was allegedly stolen in this Miami HOA case?
According to the arrest affidavit, AP Construction Solutions issued more than $180,000 to Carlos Mejia between October 2024 and September 2025. These payments were allegedly disguised as loan agreements while contract amounts were inflated.
What charges do the defendants face?
Carlos Mejia faces 10 counts of receiving a kickback and one count of organized scheme to defraud. Richard Thomas Murray faces one count of organized scheme to defraud. Both charges are serious felonies under Florida law.
How can HOA members protect themselves from fraud?
HOA members should request regular financial audits, attend board meetings, review contractor bids, and report any suspicious activities to the board or law enforcement. Monitoring property conditions relative to maintenance spending can also reveal potential problems.
Who exposed the alleged kickback scheme?
A salesman previously associated with the condominium and Murray’s company, along with one of Murray’s employees, brought the alleged scheme to the attention of authorities. Their whistleblower actions led to the investigation and charges.
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The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office has not announced dates for arraignment hearings for either defendant. Residents of Venetian Gardens at Country Club of Miami will likely be watching closely as the criminal proceedings move forward, hoping for justice after allegedly enduring both financial losses and deteriorating living conditions. The case serves as an important precedent for HOA fraud prosecution in South Florida, with the next court dates expected to be scheduled within the coming weeks as the Miami-Dade court system processes the charges filed on September 10, 2026.
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