Arrested Orange County Sheriff's deputy out of jail

Deputy faces charges after arrest in elaborate real estate scheme

AVALON PARK, Fla. – A local deputy is facing grand theft, forgery and fraud charges after she was arrested in an elaborate real estate scheme.

According to an arrest affidavit, Orange County Sheriff's Deputy Jocelyn Aviles, along with former Orange County deputy, Elsa Candelario, engaged in a sophisticated real estate scheme that preyed on people in financial distress.

Local 6 was there as both women walked out Friday night of the Orange County Jail and refused to answer any questions.

Investigators said they were the prime architects in the scheme that started to unravel at an Avalon Park home.

"It's a very nice community, so just to hear this is a little bit shocking, said Lillian Oliva, who lives just down the street.

The home, located at 14822 Sweet Acacia Drive, was supposed to be vacant and was included in a bankruptcy case.

But when the owner of the home, Robert Walker, showed up there on March 16, 2013, it appeared squatters were living inside.

The Olivas had no idea anything unusual was happening.

"You'd see people come in once in a while, but nothing out of the ordinary," said Richard Oliva.

When investigators arrived at the home, they discovered that the person living there was Juan Candelario, Jr. who is Elsa Candelario's son.

According to an arrest affidavit, Candelario Jr. had a lease, but Robert Walker's signature had been forged and Candelario's rent money was really going to his mother and Deputy Aviles.

Detectives soon discovered Elsa Candelario had an entire company set up to identify home owners in distress. She's not only accused of forging their signatures, but also transferring Walker's title into her name.

Investigators said the home Deputy Aviles currently lives in was also obtained the same way. The deputy is accused of forging an owner's signature and signing the deed into her name.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office said Deputy Aviles has worked at the sheriff's office since 1999, where she is currently a school resource officer. She is now relieved of duty without pay, while her court proceedings get underway.

Former deputy Elsa Candelario worked as a court deputy with the Orange County Sheriff's Office beginning in 1999, but left in 2003.


About the Author:

Lisa Bell has been in Central Florida since 2007, covering the big stories that impact our community. Lisa was promoted to News 6 evening news co-anchor in May 2014.

Recommended Videos