Governor Ron DeSantis has taken a significant action by issuing an executive order to suspend Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill. This decision comes shortly after Hill was indicted for allegedly misappropriating a substantial amount of money from a 96-year-old woman, using it for personal expenses including surgeries and hotel stays.
The governor’s office stated, “Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-63, suspending City Commissioner for the City of Orlando, Regina Hill.”
Facing Multiple Felony Charges
Regina Hill is currently facing seven felony charges as a result of her alleged actions.
These charges include three counts of exploitation of the elderly, two counts of fraudulent use of personal identification, one count of mortgage fraud, and one count of scheming to defraud over $50,000.
The Legal Basis for Suspension
The governor’s decision to suspend Hill is rooted in the Florida Constitution, which allows for the suspension of any elected municipal officer who has been indicted for a crime.
The constitution states, “[B]y order of the governor any elected municipal officer indicted for crime may be suspended from office until acquitted.” This provision ensures that public officials facing serious allegations are temporarily removed from their positions until the legal process is concluded.
Prior Warnings of Suspension
Before the indictment was announced, Governor DeSantis had indicated that he would suspend any municipal elected official who was indicted by a grand jury.
“If a municipal elected official is indicted by a grand jury, then I would suspend. That’s typical,” DeSantis said.
The Allegations Against Hill
The allegations against Regina Hill suggest she engaged in a calculated scheme to financially exploit a 96-year-old woman.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Hill is accused of taking power of attorney over the elderly woman and using this position to misappropriate funds for personal use.
Extravagant Personal Spending
The affidavit filed by an FDLE special agent outlines specific examples of Hill’s alleged misuse of funds.
These include purchases of expensive perfume, clothing, numerous intravenous infusions of vitamins, a facelift, a New Year’s Eve hotel stay in Miami, dental surgery, and car insurance payments for her vehicles.
Exploitation Following Trust
The crux of the allegations is that Hill met the elderly woman in March 2021 and, within a month, had taken power of attorney, which she then allegedly used to exploit the woman financially over three years.
The speed and manner in which Hill assumed control over the elderly woman’s finances are central to the case against her.
Acquisition of Property
One of the more shocking allegations involves Hill obtaining a second power of attorney to purchase a home worth over $400,000, with the elderly woman as the co-signor, reportedly without her knowledge or consent.
This action not only demonstrates a significant breach of trust but also a substantial financial exploitation, according to the FDLE.
A History of Legal Issues
Regina Hill’s legal troubles are not new.
Reports have surfaced of her having a history of arrests dating back to 1983, including charges related to drugs, DUIs, fraud, and passing bad checks. Additionally, she was arrested in 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama, for public intoxication.
The Impact of Hill’s Actions
An FDLE Special Agent highlighted the contrast between Hill’s expenditures and the condition of the elderly woman’s home, which was in need of repairs.
Despite having access to the elderly woman’s funds, Hill allegedly chose to prioritize her own luxuries and expenses over the well-being of the woman she was supposed to assist.
Financial Aftermath for the Victim
Before Hill’s alleged involvement, the elderly woman had over $164,000 in her bank account.
However, over the course of Hill’s financial management, the woman’s savings dwindled significantly, leaving her with substantially less in her bank account and increased debt on her credit card. This drastic reduction in financial resources illustrate the alleged exploitation’s impact.
A Whistleblower’s Role
The FDLE was alerted to the possible exploitation scheme last year by a former aide of Commissioner Hill, following their dismissal from her staff.
The aide, Jacqueline Cockerham, provided a detailed account of her experience working under Hill, describing it as tormenting. Cockerham disclosed that she was compelled to work excessively long hours and was tasked with conducting personal business on behalf of Hill.
