(Photo : Barry Williams/Getty Images)
A city official of Orlando, Florida is being charged with seven felonies for allegedly stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from a 96-year-old resident and using the money to pay for a facelift, dental surgery, hotel rooms, home renovations, and other expenses, local law enforcement alleges.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement believes Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill abused the trust of the victim and she has been arrested and charged with 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 documents accuse Hill of financially exploiting the 96-year-old woman since March 15, 2021.
The FDLE says the investigation into Hill began when the Office of the Attorney General forwarded a complaint to the law enforcement agency.
"Hill first came in contact with the victim, through her position as a city commissioner, after it was discovered that the victim was living in deplorable conditions," the FDLE said.
Hill allegedly met the victim a month later and somehow got power of attorney over her despite not having any prior relationship with her.
"At first glance, Hill's actions appeared well-intentioned as she coordinated the clean-up of the victim's residence and other community resources," the FDLE said.
During an investigation, FDLE agents found that Hill obtained a second power of attorney to buy a home with the victim as a co-signor with her knowledge or consent.
The home cost $400,000.It is also alleged the former city commissioner lived in a second home owned by the victim, which he moved into without the victim's knowledge.
Regina Hill is also alleged to have obtained access to the victim's checking, savings, and credit card accounts and if accused of spending over $100,000 of the woman's money for her lifestyle, including multiple procedures, clothes, and other high-priced expenses, according to the local agency.
The abuse lasted for about three years, according to local authorities.
