An Exposé by Rhetta Peoples
Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill’s arrest in March 2024 sent shockwaves through Central Florida’s political and legal circles. Hill, accused of exploiting a 96-year-old woman, now faces life in prison if convicted. But beyond the headlines lies a deeper narrative: one where political power, law enforcement methods, and public trust collide.
Phase 1: The Complaint and Early Investigation
In February 2023, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) launched a covert investigation into Regina Hill following a complaint from the Florida Attorney General’s office. Hill allegedly used forged power of attorney documents to purchase a home and fund luxury expenses. The alleged victim, 96-year-old Annie Mae Curtis, lived alone. She also lived in deteriorating conditions prior to Hill’s care.
Phase 2: Arrest, Indictment, and Suspension
On March 13, 2024, a temporary injunction was filed. Two weeks later, a grand jury indicted Hill on multiple felony charges, including exploitation of an elderly person, mortgage fraud, and fraudulent use of personal identification. At the time, Andrew Bain was the appointed State Attorney in Orange and Osceola Counties.
Governor Ron DeSantis immediately suspended Hill under Executive Order 24-63. During this period, disturbing interrogation audio surfaced: FDLE agents questioned Ms. Curtis without an attorney present, even as she admitted confusion, saying, “I’m so confused, I don’t even know my name.”
FDLE Agent Stephen Brenton asked Ms. Curtis to sign her name for comparison against the alleged forged power of attorney document, concluding, “Oh, it’s kinda close.” Curtis was removed from her home; the property was later sold below market value while she lived in a nursing home under Adriane Alexander’s care.
Phase 3: Civil Hearings and Community Division
By April 5, 2024, Judge Heather Higbee issued a final injunction against Hill, citing irreparable harm to Ms. Curtis.
The community reacted strongly. Local commentator Moe Dimanche, members of the community and social media users shared concerns about FDLE’s tactics—particularly video evidence showing Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Agent Stephen Brenton entering Curtis’s home without a warrant and disconnecting her surveillance cameras.
Further revelations showed that Adriane Alexander, who became Curtis’s power of attorney after Hill, had been largely absent from Curtis’s life until the investigation began.
Phase 4: Legal Maneuvering and Evidence Disputes
The legal battle intensified in spring 2025. Depositions revealed that Sandra Lewis, a key witness for the prosecution, gave evasive and contradictory testimony. More alarmingly, Hill’s defense team discovered Lewis received $41,095 from former State Attorney Andrew Bain’s political action committee while listed as a critical witness, was hired for canvassing services by political rival Shannon “Shan” Rose and hired by Rose following her election in July of 2023 only months after Hill was arrested.
Hill’s attorneys filed a motion to strike Lewis as a witness, citing Brady and Giglio violations. The defense argued this undisclosed financial relationship undermined the case’s integrity. Bain, appointed by Governor DeSantis, had replaced State Attorney Monique Worrell—a move that had already sparked political controversy.
Phase 5: Political and Public Arena
On May 21, 2024, Rose won a special election to fill Hill’s vacated seat. Despite her suspension, Hill remained defiant. On May 29, 2025, her legal team formally filed the motion to strike Sandra Lewis. Lewis was set to testify against Hill.
Hill launched her reelection campaign, declaring, “I’m that phoenix that’s rising from the ashes. And, when the city rises, all of us should rise.” She reminded supporters of her military service and 25 years as a nurse, positioning herself as more than a politician—a lifelong advocate.
Recurring Themes Highlighted Throughout
- Questionable Law Enforcement Conduct:
- Warrantless entry.
- Disconnecting surveillance cameras.
- Interrogation of a vulnerable adult without legal counsel.
- Political Crosscurrents:
- Involvement of DeSantis appointee.
- Witness payment controversies.
- Human Element:
- Ms. Curtis’s vulnerability and health condition.
- Ms. Curtis’s loss of property and money.
Community division: defenders of Hill versus believers in the allegations. The outcome of the motion to strike Sandra Lewis could redefine the case against Regina Hill. It could also reshape public trust in Florida’s legal and political institutions. As of today, no ruling has been issued.
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