Suspended Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill appeared in court today regarding a civil lawsuit against her after FDLE announced allegations Hill stole more than $100,000 from a 96-year-old Orlando woman.
FDLE said, among other purchases, Hill used the money for a facelift and a New Year’s Eve trip to South Florida.
Today, Judge Heather L. Higbee said, “The Court has jurisdiction over the vulnerable adult. The Court has jurisdiction over subject matter and under Florida law reasonable notice an opportunity to be heard had been given. The notice was given to the Respondent in a manner that was sufficient to protect her rights to due process.”
The petition was given to Hill on March 13th and the temporary injunction was issued.
Today, both sides had the opportunity to present any testimony, evidence, documents and bank statements they wished to present.
Judge Higbee said the evidence of bank records and credit card records, combined with the testimony of an FDLE Special Agent reflects, “a history of multiple unreimbursed transactions that could not be for the benefit of that vulnerable adult.”
Judge Higbee added there would be a likelihood of irreparable harm to the vulnerable adult. “The threat and injury to the vulnerable adult outweighs the possible harm of the Respondent in granting this final injunction. The injunction provides for the vulnerable adult physical and financial safety,” Higbee concluded.
Hill had been under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for more than a year. At the end of March, Hill was arrested and charged with three counts of exploitation of elderly, mortgage fraud, scheme to defraud and two counts of fraud impersonation.
Hill was later released from the Orange County Jail after she posted a $40,000 bond.
After Hill was suspended by Governor Ron DeSantis, she released the following statement:
“My confidence in the integrity of the legal process and faith in God is unwavering, and I’m deeply moved by the support from our community. This support is a constant reminder of the strength and resilience that defines District 5, and it fuels my continued dedication to serving and uplifting every community member through these trying times. I will wait for my day in court when I’ll be able to prove my innocence and that I always acted in good faith.”
