TALLAHASSEE, FL—In the minutes leading up to Governor Ron DeSantis' Miami press conference, the Governor issued an executive order suspending Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill, who was indicted for elder abuse.
Last week, Hill was indicted for defrauding a 96-year-old constituent with cognitive disabilities. Hill allegedly met the woman in 2021, gained power of attorney over her, and slowly drained the woman’s bank accounts of over $100,000 to pay for home renovations, expensive perfumes, clothing, a facelift, and a hotel room in Miami, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Hill lived in the elderly woman’s house with her son and his girlfriend before buying a nearby house with the victim's money.
She was indicted on three counts of Exploitation of Elderly or Disabled Persons greater than $50,000, one count of Scheme to Defraud of $50,000 or more, one count of Fraudulent Use of Personal Identification over $100,000, and one count of Mortgage Fraud greater than $100,000.
She faces 180 years in prison if convicted.
The ousted commissioner wrote, "It's unfortunate that I have been thrust into these circumstances with these allegations. Unfortunate not just for me but for Mrs. (victim's name) whom I've loved and cared for like my own 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," she added.
The elderly woman's family says she has no understanding of the documents she signed granting power of attorney to Hill.
Hill was first elected to Commissioner in 2013, building her platform as a voice for the downtrodden. Thursday, she posted a $40,000 bond following her arrest for elder abuse. The Orange County judge then issued an injunction barring her from the victim's bank accounts and homes.
