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
Published
7 months agoon
By
Willie DavidORLANDO, 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
Crimes and Courts
Attorney General Uthmeier: Central Florida Woman Charged in Child Sexual Abuse Material Case
Published
4 weeks agoon
December 16, 2025TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the Office of Statewide Prosecution has charged a Central Florida woman with multiple felony offenses involving the sexual abuse of a child and the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Taylor Michelle Dorsey, 33, of Ocoee, faces eight felony counts, including sexual abuse of a child over the age of 12 and several charges related to the production, possession, and promotion of CSAM.
“The details in this case are gut-wrenching, and there is zero place for this kind of vile behavior in Florida,” said Attorney General Uthmeier. “I am confident in our statewide prosecutors’ ability to fight for the maximum penalty that fits these heinous crimes against children.”
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation was conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) following a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tip originated from Yahoo, which reported that Dorsey had uploaded multiple files containing child sexual abuse material.
According to investigators, Dorsey sexually abused the victim, produced the illegal material, and actively shared it with an inmate in federal prison who is serving time for sexual abuse of a child and possession of child pornography.
On Dec. 10, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Dorsey’s residence, where she was arrested without incident.
Charges Filed
Dorsey is charged with the following offenses:
Promote Sexual Performance of a Child
Lewd and Lascivious Molestation
Child Abuse
Child Neglect
Possession of Child Pornography (four counts)
She is currently being held in the Orange County Jail without bond.
Prosecution and Ongoing Case
The case will be prosecuted in the Ninth Judicial Circuit by Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Lauryn Day. Officials stated the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed as evidence continues to be reviewed.
Crimes and Courts
Attorney Ben Crump Announces Settlement Between Universal and Family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala
Published
1 month agoon
December 13, 2025By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala and Universal have reached a confidential resolution, according to a statement released by nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump.
Crump, speaking on behalf of the Rodriguez Zavala family, confirmed that the matter has been resolved amicably. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“The family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala and Universal have reached an amicable resolution in this matter. The terms are confidential,” Crump said. “The family is grateful for the community’s support and asks for privacy at this time.”
No further details were provided.
Crimes and Courts
Ex-FBI Employee Claims Dismissal for LGBTQ+ Flag Violated Constitutional Rights
Published
1 month agoon
November 29, 2025WASHINGTON (FNN) — A longtime FBI employee who was nearing completion of special agent training was dismissed last month for displaying a Pride flag at his workspace, according to a federal lawsuit filed Wednesday.
David Maltinsky, who worked for the FBI for 16 years, had completed 16 of 19 weeks of agent training at Quantico when he said he was handed a termination letter from FBI Director Kash Patel and told he was being dismissed for the “inappropriate display of political signage.” The suit asserts that the flag, previously flown outside the Los Angeles field office during Pride Month in 2021, was displayed inside with prior approval from supervisors.
Background and Training Dismissal
Maltinsky previously served as an intelligence specialist in the Los Angeles field office and was pursuing a long-held goal of becoming a special agent. The Progress Pride flag — which includes rainbow stripes and additional colors to represent LGBTQ+ individuals and communities of color — had been gifted to him after being taken down from its official display at the field office.
The lawsuit states that Maltinsky was a supporter of diversity efforts within the bureau. These efforts were halted under a January executive order from President Donald Trump that eliminated federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Legal Claims and Government Response
The suit names Patel, the FBI, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and the Justice Department as defendants. It seeks Maltinsky’s reinstatement, a declaration that his dismissal violated First Amendment rights to free speech and Fifth Amendment guarantees of equal protection.
The FBI and Justice Department declined to comment on pending litigation.
Maltinsky’s attorney, Christopher M. Mattei, called the firing unconstitutional, saying, “This case is about far more than one man’s career — it’s about whether the government can punish Americans simply for saying who they are.”
Broader Personnel Disputes at the Bureau
The filing comes amid other lawsuits brought by FBI officials alleging improper personnel actions taken in President Trump’s second term. In September, three former senior FBI officials claimed they were dismissed as part of a “campaign of retribution” allegedly driven by political pressure.
Trending
Florida4 days agoState Rep. Berny Jacques Files Bill Targeting Illegal Immigration and Employer Penalties
Central Florida News4 days agoThreatLocker Expands Orlando Magic Partnership With Garage Naming Near Kia Center
Florida4 days agoBracy Davis, Rosenwald File Bill to Fix My Safe Florida Home Program Application Barriers
Sports4 days agoJaguars Clinch Third AFC South Championship After Dominant Win Over Titans
Sports4 days agoTodd Bowles Announces Major Coaching Staff Changes for Buccaneers