Full Breakdown
Florida Bookkeeper Accused of Embezzling Hundreds of Thousands from Homeowners Associations
4/8/2026, 4:02:42 AM
Allegations of Theft and Fraud
Alexandra Delacaridad Gonzalez, a 46-year-old bookkeeper for Avant-Garde Property Management in Stuart, Florida, is accused of embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from local homeowners associations (HOAs). The Martin County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warrant for her arrest, citing multiple counts of fraud, grand theft, and embezzlement. Investigators allege that over an extended period, Gonzalez wrote checks to herself from HOA accounts she managed, creating fictitious invoices and false ledger entries to conceal her actions. Additionally, she is accused of forging the signatures of authorized account holders.
The sheriff's office reported that Gonzalez used the stolen funds for personal expenses, including shopping, plastic surgery, and extravagant trips. Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek noted that Gonzalez lived a lavish lifestyle during the year she allegedly committed these crimes, stating, “As far as the money that she stole, there's none left to claw back. She spent it all.” Gonzalez faces serious charges, including two counts of fraud exceeding $50,000, two counts of grand theft, 61 counts of uttering false instruments, and 59 counts of embezzlement. Her bond has been set at $1,350,000, and investigators believe she may currently be in the Miramar or Vero Beach areas.
Response from Avant-Garde Property Management
In response to the allegations, Liz Diaz, the owner of Avant-Garde Property Management, stated that the company acted promptly upon learning of the potential losses caused by Gonzalez. She emphasized that they immediately notified clients and law enforcement and have cooperated fully in the investigation. Diaz expressed a commitment to seeking justice for their clients, saying, “We want to see justice for our clients, and we will continue to fully cooperate in any prosecution and restitution efforts.”
Criticism and Community Impact
The case has raised concerns among local homeowners associations regarding the security of their funds and the potential for similar incidents. Community members have expressed shock at the extent of the alleged theft and the betrayal of trust involved. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office has urged anyone with information about Gonzalez's whereabouts or who suspects their HOA may have been a victim of similar activities to come forward.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As far as the money that she stole, there's none left to claw back. She spent it all,” — John Budensiek, Martin County Sheriff
- “We want to see justice for our clients, and we will continue to fully cooperate in any prosecution and restitution efforts.” — Liz Diaz, Owner of Avant-Garde Property Management
What's Next
The investigation into Gonzalez's activities is ongoing, with law enforcement actively seeking her arrest. The case highlights the importance of financial oversight within homeowners associations to prevent similar incidents in the future.