The job of a condo association and its board members is extremely important. After all, they are entrusted with a lot of money, which they are expected to use properly. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.
Gambling with Other People’s Money
Cheryl Sullivan, the chair of Dedham’s Board of Assessors, was recently arrested on federal fraud charges after she allegedly used a debit card intended for use with managing a condominium complex at Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville, Massachusetts.
Sullivan was working for a Rhode Island condo owners’ association, taking money from residents that should have been used to maintain the building complex. Instead, she used it to gamble, allegedly having stolen as much as $46,500 from condo owners over many months back in 2019. Sullivan misused the funds from the condo owners’ association at the casino on at least five occasions.
Charged with Five Counts of Wire Fraud
Sullivan appeared in the United States District Court in Providence and was charged with five counts of wire fraud. Sullivan began her position on the board of assessors back in 2018, hired by the River Island Condominium Association. Her initial responsibility was to manage condos located at 148 Bernon Street in Woonsocket. In 2021 she was reelected and chosen as a board chair.
Sullivan was supposed to have collected monthly fees from condo owners and deposit it into the condo association’s bank account. Sullivan had access to the condo association’s bank account and also obtain a debit card to the same account as part of her role on the board.
Sullivan pleaded not guilty and was released on bond.
PALUMBO LAW Helps Those in Rhode Island with Condominium Law Issues
Board members are trusted to properly use condominium members’ monthly fees to care for the exterior and common interior parts of the building(s). If you suspect that these funds have been misused, you have options. You can first review your board’s finances. But if you have reviewed your board’s finances and still wish to request an official audit, it’s imperative that you understand to what you are entitled.
At PALUMBO LAW, our experienced Rhode Island Condominium Law attorneys understand Rhode Island condo law and will work strategically to help our clients to get what they deserve. If you suspect that there is theft or fraud going on within your condominium association and its board, we can help. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, call us today!
