ORLANDO, Fla. – Suspended Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill is appealing a judge’s decision to keep her away from an elderly woman’s finances.
Hill, 58, was sued by attorneys representing a 96-year-old woman who claimed Hill used the woman’s identity to secure a mortgage on a house without her knowledge and also used more than $100,000 of the woman’s money on personal expenses.
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According to court documents, those expenses included a facelift, rental cars, and vitamin injections. After a court hearing earlier this month, an Orange County judge ordered a permanent injunction intended to keep Hill away from the woman’s finances and properties.
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Hill is fighting back. New documents submitted to the court show Hill is appealing the judge’s decision, and she wants a new hearing on the matter.
According to the new court filing, Hill’s attorney argues a new hearing is warranted based on:
a. The admittance of hearsay testimony of (the 96-year-old woman) pursuant to 90.803, which was not applicable.
b. The admittance of financial documents using the opinion testimony of Agent Brenton.
c. The entry of injunction regarding the real properties when no evidence regarding the ownership of those properties were submitted.
d. (The 96-year-old woman’s) absence from the hearing, despite being served with a subpoena and being told by counsel for the power of Attorney that (she) would be made available. Respondent was denied due process.
e. The entry of the injunction against Ms. Hill from contact with (the woman) when there were no allegations of physical abuse or harm done to (to her).
f. The Petitioner failed to meet the standard of proof for entry of an injunction.
g. The Final Order failed to make specific findings for entry of the Permanent injunction.
h. The denial of the Respondent’s Motion to Dismiss the Petition.
The judge has not made a decision on the request for a new hearing. Meantime, Hill is facing criminal charges stemming from the case, which resulted in Gov. Ron DeSantis suspending her from office.
Seven candidates qualified for a special election on May 21 to fill her vacated seat.
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