Article
and Video Courtesy of Channel 9 WFTV
By Karla Ray and James
Tutten
Published September 24, 2020
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ISSIMMEE — A year after she first spoke out to 9
Investigates about what was described as an abusive homeowners
association management company and security guard, the woman who blew
the whistle inside Turnberry Reserve is telling investigative reporter
Karla Ray about the bank records that led to the most recent arrest of
the community’s former property manager last week.
Homeowner Maria Napolitano called Channel 9 in
September 2019 with concerns regarding the ex-cop-turned-felon, Joseph
Conover, who was working security inside the neighborhood, as well as
his longtime girlfriend, property manager Sherry Raposo, who gave him
the job.
Former Turnberry Reserve property manager arrested on fraud-related
charges
Both Raposo and Conover have since been arrested for running an
unlicensed security company, and removed from their roles in the
community.
State investigators also determined Raposo tried to
rig an HOA election last year, which led to the entire board of
directors being replaced. |
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Now, Napolitano is the board vice president, with access to the
financial records that led to Raposo facing fraud charges.
Body camera video provides new evidence in case against ex-cop-turned
security guard at Kissimmee community
Osceola County Financial Crimes investigators determined that Raposo
used HOA funds to bail Conover out of jail in North Carolina after he
was arrested there on charges related to his time as a company police
officer in that state.
For the month that she’s officially held the title of vice president of
Turnberry’s HOA, Napolitano has had her work cut out for her, trying to
make sense of homeowner accounts and financial records once managed by
Raposo.
“Just from what we’ve been able to see, there’s a lot of questionable
transactions that should be coming to light,” Napolitano said.
Napolitano initiated the call for an investigation into Management 35
Firm owner Raposo. Last week, the embattled property manager was
arrested on fraud charges related to an alleged use of $25,000 to pay
for Conover’s bail.
Kissimmee property management company owner arrested, charged with
fraud, impersonating officer
After his conviction on obstruction and battery charges, Conover was put
in charge of security inside Turnberry Reserve until 9 Investigates
exposed him a year ago. In their roles, Raposo and Conover had the power
to levy fines against homeowners for HOA violations.
“We were taken advantage of. We were bulled. It was a horrible situation
to be in - to have him patrolling our community every day,” Napolitano
said.
Napolitano and the rest of the newly designated HOA board are now
scrutinizing every fine and late fee given to homeowners under the rule
of Management 35.
“We lived in fear of losing our homes. They did it to me. They’ve done
it to all my neighbors. The fear of coming home and not knowing what’s
going to be waiting in your mailbox,” Napolitano said.
When reached by text message, Raposo’s attorney declined to provide a
response or statement on her latest charges.
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