ORLANDO — A judge ordered an Orlando municipal commissioner to stop interacting with a 96-year-old citizen she is accused of embezzling.
oJudge Heather Higbee issued the order in a civil case against Regina Hill, who was charged last month with exploitation of the elderly, identity fraud and mortgage fraud.
Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Hill from the Orlando City Commission on Monday. There will be a special election to replace Hill, who was in his third term, while the case continues.
Hill, 63, invoked her right not to incriminate herself when she was called to the stand on Friday, local media reported. Afterward, she told reporters: “I trust the process, and I trust God.”
Testimony offered Friday revealed new details of the case. Agent Steve Brenton of the Florida Department of Law testified that Hill obtained false power of attorney over the elderly woman’s affairs. Brenton testified that Hill’s son, a former advisor and a notary — all of whom allegedly saw the document — told Brenton in interviews that they never signed it.
According to Brenton’s testimony reported by the Orlando Sentinel, Hill spent $139 a month on a spa membership that specializes in vitamin infusions and a $2,850 cosmetic surgery.
The woman then transferred power of attorney to a family friend, Adriane Alexander of Tampa. Alexander said in court documents that Hill spent $100,000 of the older woman’s savings on luxury perfumes, clothes, rental cars and hotels.
Source: With information from AP
