Orlando City Commissioner Indicted, Faces Mortgage Fraud Charge

According to a report from WESH 2, Regina Hill, the Orlando City Commissioner, has been arrested. She stands accused of defrauding an elderly constituent. Along with the other offenses, Ms. Hill is facing a mortgage fraud charge. She is facing multiple felonies. The Orlando Sentinel confirms that Regina Hill has been suspended from her position by Florida Governor Ron Desantis. Here, our Orlando white collar defense lawyer discusses the allegations and charges in this case.

The Allegations: Mortgage Fraud and Exploitation of an Elderly Person 

Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill is facing very serious criminal allegations. She was arrested after a grand jury indicted her on charges of elder exploitation, identity fraud, and mortgage fraud. In total, Ms. Hill—who has represented parts of Orlando for more than a decade—faces seven felony charges. She is accused of financially exploiting a 96-year-old woman, including misappropriating more than $100,000 of the elderly victim’s funds.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) initiated the investigation after receiving a complaint alleging Hill took advantage of an elderly citizen. According to prosecutors, the police investigation revealed that Ms. Hill secured power of attorney (POA) over the elderly victim shortly after their initial meeting and financially exploited her for approximately three years.

Ms. Hill posted bond and was released from the Orange County Jail on a $40,000 bond. If convicted on all counts, she could face a maximum sentence of 180 years in prison. Ms. Hill has pleaded not guilty to the charges​ and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty. All people charged with crimes have a right to raise a zealous defense.

An Overview of the Criminal Charges 

In total, the Orlando City Commissioner faces seven separate felony counts. Here is an overview of the three different offenses that she is currently being charged with:

• Mortgage Fraud: The defendant was charged with mortgage fraud. It is a crime that involves misrepresenting or omitting information on a mortgage application to obtain a loan or a larger loan amount than would have been granted had the lender known the truth.
• Identity Theft: The defendant also faces charges of identity theft—specifically for the fraudulent use of personal identification information. Identity theft can be charged as a felony in Florida and a conviction could result in significant prison time.
• Elder Exploitation: The charges of elder exploitation against the defendant involve the alleged financial abuse of a 96-year-old woman. Elder exploitation is a serious crime in Florida. The state has laws in place to protect vulnerable senior citizens. 

Contact Our Orlando, FL Mortgage Fraud Defense Attorney Today

At The Baez Law Firm, our Orlando white collar defense lawyer handles the full range of cases, including mortgage fraud. If you or your loved one was arrested and charged with a serious criminal offense, please do not hesitate to contact us today. With a legal office in Orlando, we are well-situated to take on white collar cases in Orange County and across Central Florida.

Source:

wesh.com/article/orlando-commissioner-regina-hill-arrest-response/60345226