ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Regina Hill, the now-suspended Orlando commissioner, was in court Friday to face a judge in a civil lawsuit against her.
Hill, 58, was arrested March 28, accused of stealing more than $100,000 from a 96-year-old woman whom she represented. Now, that woman’s family members and lawyers want to ensure Hill is kept away from the alleged victim and her money.
During the hearing Friday, Hill pleaded the Fifth during questioning related to the criminal case about this matter.
Several more witnesses are expected to testify during this hearing.
Friday’s hearing comes just days after Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Hill from her District 5 seat with the city.
After Hill’s arrest on March 28, investigators with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said she had fraudulently established a power of attorney over a 96-year-old woman and spent more than $100,000 of her money on such things as perfume, clothing, vitamins, a facelift, a trip to Miami, dental surgery and car insurance, even securing a mortgage for a home in the Lake Mann Estates area of Orlando without the woman’s knowledge.
“Mrs. Hill effectively betrayed the trust of her community by taking advantage of a 96-year-old elderly citizen, which is one of the most vulnerable in that community,” FDLE Assistant Commissioner Lee Massie said at a news conference.
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Hill faces charges including exploitation of the elderly/disabled, impersonation, scheme to defraud and mortgage fraud.
Before her arrest, Hill had filed a motion and requested that the judge toss the injunction, claiming the 96-year-old is in no condition to change her power of attorney. Hill also claimed she was trying to help the woman.
She released a statement on March 29, one day after she posted bond and was released from jail.
It’s unfortunate that I have been thrust into these circumstances with these allegations. Unfortunate not just for me but for (the 96-year-old woman), whom I’ve loved and cared for like my own family. I trust in God above all things, and I trust in the process. After ten years of service for the City of Orlando, I’ve illustrated my love and compassion for my constituents, my city, and my family. I know the truth; I know I’m entitled to due process, in which I trust, and I will await my day in court to prove my innocence.
Regina Hill statement | March 29, 2024
Documents obtained by News 6 show the 96-year-old woman’s attorneys plan to introduce business records at Friday’s hearing. We’ve also learned Hill has since obtained a new attorney to represent her in this case.
[TIMELINE: Here’s what to know about prior controversies tied to Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill]
This is a developing story. Check back with News 6 for updates.
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