Crimes and Courts
Regina Hill’s Attorneys Seek to Disqualify Key State Witness Over False Testimony and State’s Failure to Disclose $41,095 Payment
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The legal battle surrounding suspended Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill intensified this week as her attorneys, Fritz Scheller and John Notari, filed a 17-page motion in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court seeking to disqualify a key prosecution witness, according to court records reviewed by Florida National News.
The defense’s explosive motion accuses the witness of providing evasive, contradictory, and false testimony while concealing financial and political ties that could compromise the integrity of the case.
Defense Claims Witness Gave Evasive, Contradictory, and Untruthful Testimony
Attorneys for Regina Hill argue that Sandra Lewis, a notary public and Category A state witness, gave inconsistent, evasive, and at times false answers under oath during two depositions related to the elder exploitation case against Hill.
In court filings, defense attorney Fritz Scheller wrote, “In her depositions, Lewis demonstrated both a willful and blatant disregard for her obligations as a state witness — a witness who was under subpoena and oath. She intentionally avoided questions and provided contradictory and false answers throughout her depositions.”
Lewis reportedly feigned memory lapses when asked about her employment history, business connections, and political work. Defense attorneys noted she was particularly evasive about:
Her employment with interim City Commissioner Shan Rose.
Her leadership role in Eboni Beauty Academy, a nonprofit that reportedly also functions as a political canvassing operation.
A $3,200 donation from Insomniac Cares meant for District 5 initiatives, which was allegedly funneled to Eboni Beauty Academy.
$41K in Political PAC Payments to Witness Raises Conflict Concerns
Hill’s defense team also revealed that between August and November 2024, Lewis received over $41,000 from Justice PC, a political action committee supporting then-State Attorney Andrew Bain’s campaign for Orange-Osceola State Attorney.
At the time of those payments, Lewis had already been listed as a key witness in the case. The defense argues that these financial transactions — never disclosed by the State — constitute a clear violation of Brady and Giglio legal standards, which require prosecutors to reveal any information that could impeach a witness’s credibility.
“This is a serious breach of due process,” the motion reads, calling the financial relationship a “beyond troubling” conflict that could influence testimony and compromise the trial.
Nonprofit, Political Ties, and Possible Witness Bias
The motion further scrutinizes Eboni Beauty Academy, the nonprofit linked to Lewis, suggesting it functions as both a beauty school and a political canvassing firm supporting Bain and Commissioner Rose. Defense attorneys questioned its legitimacy and raised concerns about public and charitable funds being improperly handled, including the Insomniac Cares donation intended for District 5 entities.
Court documents also confirmed that Lewis currently works in a temporary capacity for Commissioner Shan Rose’s office, intensifying concerns about potential witness bias and political influence in the case.
What’s Next?
The court has not yet ruled on the motion to disqualify Lewis, but if granted, it would deliver a major setback to the prosecution’s case against Regina Hill. The motion not only challenges the credibility of a crucial witness but also raises broader concerns about political interference, transparency, and financial conflicts.
______________________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III
news@Florida National News.com
Central Florida News
State Attorney Monique Worrell Responds to Court’s Denial of Bond for Former Deputy in Fatal Shooting Case
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – State Attorney Monique Worrell issued a statement following the court’s decision to deny bond for Anthony Shea, a former deputy charged in connection with a fatal shooting.
Court’s Decision Reflects Seriousness of Charges
“The Court’s decision today to deny bond for Anthony Shea reflects the seriousness of the charges he faces,” Worrell said. Shea remains in custody as legal proceedings move forward in a case that has drawn significant public and law enforcement attention.
Honoring the Victim’s Life and Service
“Beyond the legal proceedings, this case is about honoring the life of a woman who dedicated herself to protecting others,” Worrell added. “This was a tragic loss of life that has deeply impacted the law enforcement community, as well as our circuit.”
Commitment to Justice
Worrell emphasized her office’s ongoing commitment to ensuring justice is served. “We continue to extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the victim during this painful time. Our office remains steadfast in ensuring that her service, her sacrifice, and her memory are met with the justice they deserve.”
____________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
CLERMONT, Fla. (FNN) – The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shocking case of property destruction in Clermont, where a suspect reportedly used heavy machinery to demolish part of a home and an SUV—then left behind a profanity-laced message on the side of the house.
Deputies responded to the scene near Pine Island and Montevista Roads around 7 a.m. Friday, where they found a home with multiple large holes in its structure and debris scattered across the property. A nearby SUV had its roof crushed and windows shattered, consistent with damage from heavy equipment, possibly an excavator.
One side of the home featured a message scrawled in large letters, including a person’s name followed by the phrase: “You [expletive] with the wrong girl.”
“It is heartbreaking to see a residence vandalized this way,” said Stephanie Earley, spokesperson for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. “We are actively investigating to identify the individual responsible and bring them to justice.”
Authorities confirmed no injuries occurred and that no machinery was found at the scene upon their arrival. The motive appears personal in nature, but the case remains under active investigation.
Crimes and Courts
Drone, SWAT-Style Operation Shocks East Orange County Residents During Police Action
ORLANDO, FL (FNN) – “Florida National News was the first media outlet on the scene to capture a major law enforcement operation that unfolded Thursday morning in the Lake Pickett community of East Orange County, drawing the attention and concern of residents.”
Police Activity on Ithaca Way
At appoximately 11:00 a.m., multiple units from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office converged on a home located at 14044 Ithaca Way, Orlando. Deputies dressed in military-style tactical gear and body armor could be seen surrounding the property while issuing commands over a loudspeaker, instructing the occupants to exit the home.
An Orange County Fire Department unit was staged nearby as a precaution.
Drone Deployment and Suspect Detention
In a display of advanced law enforcement tactics, an Orange County Sheriff’s drone was deployed over the property, providing aerial surveillance as the situation developed.
Florida National News captured an known female temporarily detained in plastic white handcuffs before being escorted to speak with what appeared to be an undercover deputy nearby. Moments later, the woman was re-handcuffed — this time with standard sheriff-issued cuffs — and placed back into a marked patrol vehicle.
Crime Scene Secured
Authorities sealed off the property with crime scene tape, limiting access while deputies remained stationed at the residence.
At this time, the specific nature of the warrant being served and the details of the investigation have not been officially released by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
“Florida National News contacted the Orange County Sheriff’s Office regarding the large law enforcement presence in the Lake Pickett community. In an email statement, the Sheriff’s Public Information Officer confirmed that deputies were serving a search warrant in the area. No further details were provided.”
Stay Connected for Updates
This is a developing story. Stay connected with Florida National News (FNN) for updates as we receive more information from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
__________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
