Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Special Agent in Charge John Vecchio announced the arrest of Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill. According to Agent Vecchio, Hill was charged with elderly, fraud, mortgage fraud and scheme to defraud.
Following several months of accusations from a former friend, Hill, who represents District 5, surrendered herself at FDLE’s Orlando Regional Operations Center near downtown Orlando. During her booking, Hill refused to provide personal information, including her current address, jail officials said.
According to a news release from FDLE, Hill allegedly used falsified documents to gain power of attorney over the woman, to purchase a home, to obtain loans to renovate that home and to spend more than $100,000 of the woman’s money on luxuries, including a facelift, perfume and dental surgery.
“The public’s trust in its leaders is essential. Officials who commit crimes against those they represent will be investigated and held accountable,” Vecchio said. “I commend our agents and partners whose work helps ensure that the people of Central Florida are protected.”
Hill was arrested by FDLE agents and booked into the Orange County Jail on the felony charges of:
- Three counts of Exploitation of an elderly person, a first degree felony
- One count of Scheme to defraud over $50,000, a first degree felony
- One count of Fraudulent use of personal identification information to purchase over $100,000 in services, a first degree felony
- One count of Fraudulent use of personal identification information of a parent/guardian/custodian, a second degree felony
- One count of Mortgage fraud, a second degree felony.
Hill posted a $40,000 bond. If convicted, Hill faces a maximum of 180 years in prison.
Agents also said that while Hill spent money to renovate the home that she was staying in rent-free, Hill’s own home remained in a dilapidated state. Earlier this month, a judge ordered Hill to stay away from the victim and the home at which Hill was residing.
Hill had skipped public appearances since the accusations against her were made by the ABC Orlando news affiliate WFTV Channel 9.
