An investigation is currently underway regarding a Florida official who stands accused of stealing the savings of a 96-year-old woman. Allegations suggest that the funds were used for personal purposes, such as a face lift and the purchase of a new home.
Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill has been accused by Florida investigators of allegedly misusing her authority over an elderly individual. It is alleged that she used her position to make personal purchases, including a home, a facelift, clothing, car insurance payments, dental surgery, and a New Year’s Eve stay at a Miami hotel.
Furthermore, she stands accused of accumulating a debt exceeding $10,000 under the woman’s name.
Ms Hill has not been arrested or charged, but she is currently under investigation by the state. The investigation was initiated in February 2023 after the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) received information from a former staff member who had been terminated.
In an affidavit obtained by WESH, it is revealed that Ms. Hill initially crossed paths with the woman in 2021 upon learning about her dire living conditions.
According to the affidavit, she quickly assumed the roles of power of attorney, pre-need guardian, and health care surrogate within a month.
At that particular moment, the woman possessed a substantial sum of over $164,000 in her savings account.
The woman reportedly informed law enforcement agents that she recalls signing “some sort of document,” but admits to lacking comprehension of the specifics outlined in the legal papers.
According to court documents, the elderly woman reportedly informed investigators that she did not provide her consent to Ms Hill for using her savings to secure a mortgage for a home in the Lake Mann Estates area of Orlando.
It is believed that Ms. Hill’s son and girlfriend reside in the house, while she herself lives in a separate home that was reportedly once owned by her parents. It is rumored that she used a significant portion of her savings to renovate the property.
According to reports, a judge in Orange County has issued an order for Ms. Hill to refrain from any further communication with the woman, who has now been granted a new power of attorney.
Ms Hill, who has been an Orlando City Council member since 2014, firmly denied the accusations.
“It’s regrettable that I find myself in this situation with these accusations,” she expressed, emphasizing her deep affection and concern for the woman, whom she regarded as part of her own family.
I have unwavering faith in the divine and a steadfast belief in the power of the process. Throughout my ten years of dedicated service to the City of Orlando, I have consistently demonstrated my deep love and compassion for my constituents, my city, and my family. She confidently asserted her belief in the truth and her trust in the due process of law. She expressed her willingness to patiently await her day in court to establish her innocence, as she stated to The Independent.
The City has been informed about an investigation by FDLE and associated civil litigation concerning Commissioner Hill. The City of Orlando stated that it does not have access to any information regarding the investigation and is not involved or mentioned in the litigation.
