Orlando metropolis commissioner charged, accused of utilizing 96-year-old’s cash on private bills

An Orlando, Florida city commissioner is going through seven felony fees for allegedly stealing a whole lot of hundreds of {dollars} from a 96-year-old girl to pay for a facelift, dental surgical procedure, resort rooms and residential renovations, amongst different bills, native authorities stated.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) introduced Orlando Metropolis Commissioner Regina Hill, 58, was arrested and charged with three counts of exploitation of the aged, two counts of fraudulent use of non-public identification, one rely of mortgage fraud and one rely of scheming to defraud over $50,000.

The fees come after an agent for the FDLE filed an affidavit on March 7 detailing Hill’s alleged crimes. The paperwork accuse Hill of financially exploiting the 96-year-old girl since March 15, 2021.

USA TODAY tried to contact Hill’s protection legal professional however didn’t obtain a direct response.

Florida metropolis commissioner allegations: Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill allegedly spent 96-year-old’s money on facelift, hotels

How did Regina Hill allegedly steal the 96-year-old girl’s cash?

The investigation into Hill started when the Workplace of the Lawyer Basic forwarded a criticism to the FDLE, the native company stated March 28 in a information launch.

“Hill first got here in touch with the sufferer, by way of her place as a metropolis commissioner, after it was found that the sufferer was dwelling in deplorable circumstances,” the FDLE stated.

As soon as Hill met the 96-year-old girl, a month later she obtained energy of legal professional over her with out the 2 having any prior relationship, in keeping with the FDLE agent’s affidavit.

“At first look, Hill’s actions appeared well-intentioned as she coordinated the clean-up of the sufferer’s residence and different neighborhood assets,” the FDLE stated.

Throughout the FDLE’s investigation, brokers came upon Hill fraudulently obtained a second energy of legal professional to purchase a house with the 96-year-old girl because the co-signor with out her data or consent, for a value of greater than $400,000, in keeping with the native company.

The brokers then discovered Hill lived in a second residence the 96-year-old girl had owned, the FDLE stated. Hill took about $15,400 of the lady’s cash to renovate the second residence, which she moved into, with out the alleged sufferer’s data, the native company added.

Additional investigation decided Hill accessed the 96-year-old girl’s private checking, financial savings and bank card accounts, the FDLE stated. The commissioner is accused of spending over $100,000 of the lady’s cash for her way of life, together with a number of procedures, garments and different high-priced bills, in keeping with the native company.

Hill’s alleged abuse continued for about three years, the FDLE stated.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signifies Regina Hill could possibly be suspended following latest indictment

Earlier than the FDLE introduced the indictment, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke to WESH on the accusations in opposition to Hill saying, “It is a target-rich atmosphere, this state, for exploitation as a result of you may have quite a lot of seniors and you’ve got quite a lot of seniors who’re retired and have some earnings.”

“If a municipal elected official is indicted by a grand jury, then I’d droop. That is typical,” DeSantis stated, in keeping with the Daytona Seashore, Florida-based TV station.

It’s unclear if Hill has been suspended or if any motion has been taken concerning her function as Orlando Metropolis commissioner.

“The general public’s belief in its leaders is important. Officers who commit crimes in opposition to these they symbolize can be investigated and held accountable,” FDLE Orlando Particular Agent in Cost John Vecchio stated within the company’s launch. “I commend our brokers and companions whose work helps make sure that the individuals of Central Florida are protected.”

‘I do know the reality’: Regina Hill reportedly responds to fees, allegations

Hill bonded out of jail after paying a $40,000 bond, in keeping with jail information. If convicted of all fees, Hill faces a most of 180 years in jail, the FDLE stated.

Hill spoke on the costs and accusations in a press release obtained by WESH.

“It is unlucky that I’ve been thrust into these circumstances with these allegations,” Hill stated. “Unlucky not only for me however for Mrs. (sufferer’s identify) whom I’ve beloved and cared for like my family.”

Hill then instructed WESH, “I do know the reality, I do know I am entitled to due course of wherein I belief, and I’ll await my day in courtroom to show my innocence.”

“After 10 years of service for the town of Orlando, I’ve Illustrated my love and compassion for my constituents, my metropolis and my household,” Hill stated within the assertion.

This text initially appeared on USA TODAY: Orlando city commissioner Regina Hill arrested, facing felony charges