Suspended Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill could face trial as soon as late September on the elder abuse and mortgage fraud charges that have imperiled her political career.
A judge on Tuesday granted a request from Hill’s legal team for more time to prepare her defense, delaying her previously set July 22 trial date.
Hill was indicted and arrested in March after a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation into allegations she had taken advantage of an elderly woman and spent the woman’s funds on travel, property and luxury items like vitamin infusions and perfumes.
The FDLE probe found Hill to have spent more than $100,000 of the woman’s money on personal expenses as the woman’s power of attorney. She’s pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges.
In a separate civil court proceeding, a judge put a permanent injunction on Hill forbidding all interaction with the alleged victim.
“I’m confident,” Hill said in brief statements following Tuesday’s hearing, flanked by her legal team and a few supporters. “It’s a rough journey, but I’ve got to take it.”
After her arrest, Hill, who was in her third term representing a downtown and west Orlando on the city council, was suspended by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
That set off a hotly contested race to serve as the interim commissioner, which was won by Shan Rose last month.
Hill has remained hopeful of returning to office and would do so if the charges against her are either dropped or she wins at trial. Her attorneys said they hope that happens sometime this year.
“I want the truth to be known by the community,” Hill said.
Another hearing in the case is scheduled for Thursday, and a new pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Sep. 17.
rygillespie@orlandosentinel.com
