New questions are arising after the arrest of a South Florida condominium manager. They center around checks obtained by 7Investigates.
Katherine Fernandez Rundle/Miami-Dade State Attorney: “It turns out there was trouble in paradise.”
The trouble centered around the president of Aventura’s condominium association, who was handcuffed and arrested.
Taïs Penegiri/Resident: “All I can say is that every day was a nightmare for us. I can say it’s a historic day. We are very happy!”
A happy day for some residents, but a very bad day for Turnberry on the Green’s president, Grigory Arzumanov.
Chief Michael Ventrilla/Aventura Police: “He took control of not only the building, but everything that was going on around the building. Every asset that was used in and around the building. It was a complete takeover. I’ve never seen anything like this in my career.”
In addition to serving as the apartment complex’s president since 2008, prosecutors said he was also the building’s property manager and chief engineer.
Katherine Fernandez Rundle: “Being in a position of trust, he theoretically had the ability to spend money on things for the association. Well, what he did, we believe. I mean, I actually bought something for myself.”
The state said Arzumanov stole more than $1.5 million from the association and used it to buy personal items such as food, art and even fuel for his flight training planes. Two weeks after his arrest, further questions have arisen about what else the lot owner paid.
Sam Rabin/Attorney: “Good morning, this is Sam Rabin on behalf of Mr. Arzumanov.”
7 Investigators obtained a copy of this $15,000 check paid by Turnberry of the Green Condominium Association to Lavin & Lopez, Pa., the Miami law firm currently representing Arzumanov in this criminal condo case. did.
Sam Rabin: “I’ve been representing Mr. Arzumanov since the beginning of this year. I think around April of this year.”
That’s the same month the check was issued. The memo reads “Law Holder – Aventura PD.”
But attorney Sam Rabin said in a statement to 7Investigates that “this check and its payment are not for Mr. Arzumanov’s criminal representation.” The $15,000 payment was made during the investigation, the details of which were unknown at the time. ”
Added “Mr.” Arzumanov was arrested about five months after making the payment, and Arzumanov now exclusively pays for his representation in the criminal case. ”
Condominium law expert David Haber said the key question is whether the previous board voted to approve the payments.
David Haber: “The board would have the right to hire a lawyer to investigate the chairman. Is that legal? Yes. Maybe it was a good idea? Probably not.”
Sam Rabin: “In the early stages of this investigation, he didn’t know who was being targeted, whether it was himself or other directors.”
At a hearing Wednesday morning, attorney Sam Rabin highlighted the check as the centerpiece of Tuesday night’s seventh investigation.
Sam Rabin: “This building kept me a small retainer for $15,000, and that they would somehow pay for his criminal defense. That’s not true either. He I haven’t received a penny from that building since my arrest.”
Mr. Rabin said the checks were signed by Mr. Arzumanov and two former directors.
Sam Rabin: “I told the state that if we found out that the check was fraudulently given in any way, we would refund the money.”
Meanwhile, Arzumanov remains behind bars for now. Lavin asked the judge to reduce his bail by $350,000, arguing that he was not a flight risk.
Sam Rabin: “He’s not going anywhere. He wants to fight these charges.”
But the judge sided with the state.
Judge Laura Stagin: “Nothing you told me today convinces me that I have reason to reduce your bail.”
A hearing is scheduled for Friday, where Arzumanov and his lawyer plan to convince the judge that the money used to pay the bail was not illegally collected from residents.
Contact 7 investigates:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
[email protected]
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