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.
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J Willie David, III
news@Florida National News.com
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.
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J Willie David, III
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Crimes and Courts
Attorney General Uthmeier Charges Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez in $21M Central Florida Gambling Ring
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution has formally charged Osceola County Sheriff Marcos R. Lopez and multiple others in connection with a massive Central Florida illegal gambling and public corruption scheme.
Illegal Gambling Operation and Public Corruption Exposed
The investigation revealed a large-scale illegal gambling operation generating more than $21.6 million in illicit proceeds across Central Florida, particularly in Lake and Osceola Counties. Sheriff Lopez, who was first elected in November 2020, was found to have used his elected office to protect and advance the interests of the criminal enterprise in exchange for campaign contributions and personal payments.
According to Attorney General Uthmeier, Lopez played a central, multifaceted role in shielding the gambling operation from law enforcement scrutiny and collecting a portion of its illegal profits.
– Read Florida Attorney General Crminial Case against Sheriff Lopez and Others:
Attorney General, FDLE Commissioner Issue Strong Statements
“This is a solemn day for Florida and our law enforcement community,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “We put great trust in our constitutional officers, especially those who serve as our communities’ first line of defense. The law must be applied equally, regardless of position, power, or title. Public servants should never exploit the public’s trust for personal gain. Our Statewide Prosecutors will hold Sheriff Lopez, his associates, and all lawbreakers accountable.”
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass added: “As law enforcement, we are held to higher standards of integrity and character than other professions. This case revealed that Lopez violated the trust and integrity expected of him as the duly elected sheriff of Osceola County. Florida’s sheriffs are leaders not only within their offices but throughout their communities. I commend our agents and analysts, HSI, and the Office of Statewide Prosecution for ensuring law enforcement officers are held to the standards expected of them.”
Details of the Investigation
The charges stem from a 2023 multi-agency investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in partnership with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The criminal network was discovered to be operating a series of illegal gambling establishments throughout Central Florida.
After taking office, Lopez allegedly continued working with the criminal organization, using his influence to insulate its operations from legal action while profiting from its activities.
Lopez faces charges of Racketeering and Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering, both first-degree felonies under Florida law.
Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Colleen Monroe and Panagiota Papakos will handle the prosecution in Florida’s Fifth Judicial Circuit.
What’s Next?
The investigation remains active. Additional individuals connected to the operation are expected to be served with arrest warrants in the coming days. Authorities have indicated that further charges may be filed as the case unfolds.
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