Glamorous Florida Woman Fugitive After Embezzling $200,000 From Homeowners Associations

A glamorous Florida woman is at the center of a brazen financial scheme that has left homeowners associations reeling. Alexandra Delacaridad Gonzalez, a former bookkeeper for Avant-Garde Property Management in Stuart, is accused of siphoning nearly $200,000 from HOAs to fund a lavish lifestyle. Prosecutors allege she used her position to write checks to herself, forged signatures, and created fictitious invoices to conceal the thefts. The Martin County Sheriff's Office has issued a warrant for her arrest, and she is now a fugitive.

Gonzalez worked for Avant-Garde Property Management, a firm that oversaw high-profile communities like the Dunes of Hutchinson Island and Whitemarsh Reserve. According to officials, she began stealing in increments as small as $2,000 but escalated her thefts over time. By the end of her alleged scheme, she was allegedly pocketing $10,000 per week from HOA accounts. The sheriff's office described her actions as a calculated, long-term operation that involved falsifying financial records and forging the signatures of authorized account holders.

Residents of the affected communities were stunned to learn of Gonzalez's betrayal. Bob Marvin, a resident of Whitemarsh Reserve, said neighbors felt "shocked and angry" to discover that someone they trusted had exploited their trust. "She always looked professional, she acted professional, and we thought we made a good choice," he said. The thefts, which totaled approximately $85,000 from Dunes of Hutchinson Island and $111,000 from Whitemarsh Reserve, have left residents grappling with the financial fallout.

The impact extends beyond immediate losses. Sheriff John Budensiek warned that residents could face higher HOA fees in the future to cover the stolen funds. "$200,000 for an HOA is a lot of money," he said, emphasizing the fury felt by the community. Avant-Garde Property Management's owner, Liz Diaz, immediately notified clients and law enforcement after learning of the potential loss. She pledged full cooperation with authorities to ensure justice for residents and to pursue restitution.

Gonzalez's alleged lifestyle, fueled by the stolen funds, included shopping sprees, vacations, and plastic surgery. Her actions have raised questions about the vulnerability of HOA systems and the need for stronger oversight. The sheriff's office has charged her with two counts of fraud exceeding $50,000, two counts of grand theft, 61 counts of uttering false instruments, and 59 counts of embezzlement. Her bail has been set at $1,350,000, and police believe she may be hiding in the Miramar or Vero Beach areas.

This case underscores a broader risk to communities reliant on HOA management. When trust is broken, residents face not only financial strain but also a loss of confidence in the institutions meant to protect their interests. As authorities continue their search for Gonzalez, the story serves as a cautionary tale about greed, accountability, and the far-reaching consequences of financial misconduct.