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

11 months ago

June 3, 2025

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

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Crimes and Courts

Florida Creates Public Assistance Fraud Task Force, Appoints Special Prosecutor to Crack Down on Fraud

Published

3 weeks ago

April 15, 2026

FNN NEWS

Courtesy of the Office of the Attorney General

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — James Uthmeier announced the launch of the Public Assistance Fraud Task Force, a multi-agency initiative aimed at strengthening investigations and prosecutions of fraud involving taxpayer-funded benefit programs.

As part of the effort, Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Scott Strauss has been appointed as special prosecutor to oversee complex, multi-circuit fraud cases and coordinate legal strategies across agencies.

TASK FORCE TO TARGET FRAUD

The task force is designed to provide legal counsel and streamline criminal prosecutions for state agencies and law enforcement, enhancing Florida’s ability to build strong cases against individuals accused of fraud.

“We are launching this task force to bring accountability and prosecute those who are stealing from Floridians,” Uthmeier said. “Florida is not Minnesota or California, and we will safeguard the taxpayers’ investment in the services meant for the vulnerable.”

MULTI-AGENCY COLLABORATION

State leaders emphasized the importance of coordination across agencies to combat increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes.

“Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Uthmeier, Florida has continued to identify, address, and prevent fraud,” said Shevaun L. Harris, secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration. “This multi-agency initiative creates an opportunity to collectively reaffirm that commitment.”

Brad McVay added that protecting taxpayer-funded programs is essential to maintaining public trust.

“Floridians deserve a government that safeguards their taxpayer dollars from fraudsters,” McVay said.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass also stressed enforcement.

“If you commit fraud against public assistance programs, you will be held accountable,” Glass said.

ROLE OF SPECIAL PROSECUTOR

The special prosecutor will evaluate and oversee ongoing multi-circuit investigations, assist in developing cases for prosecution, and support law enforcement with legal tools such as warrants and affidavits.

Kathleen Von Hoene said the initiative will strengthen protections for vulnerable populations.

“Our goal is to protect the public, preserve the integrity of the Medicaid program, and safeguard the populations it serves,” she said.

PROGRAMS AND ENFORCEMENT

Florida’s public assistance programs include Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, housing assistance and reemployment services. Fraud involving these programs can result in criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, with penalties including fines, restitution and incarceration.

Law enforcement agencies interested in participating in the task force can contact the Office of Statewide Prosecution for more information.

Central Florida News

Orange County Clerk Hosts Operation Green Light to Help Drivers Reinstate Licenses April 15

Published

4 weeks ago

April 12, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — The Orange County Clerk of Courts is continuing its efforts to help residents regain their driving privileges by offering year-round assistance to individuals with suspended licenses due to unpaid traffic tickets or criminal fines.

As part of the initiative, the Clerk’s Office will host Operation Green Light on April 15, 2026, with extended hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Orange County Courthouse, Suite 410.

EVENT OFFERS PATH TO LICENSE REINSTATEMENT

During the one-day event, residents can receive in-person assistance to address outstanding traffic tickets and criminal fines, taking the first step toward reinstating their driver licenses.

Officials say eligible customers may have certain collection agency fees waived, enroll in payment plans and restore their driving privileges once all requirements are met. Affordable down payments will be available; however, standard reinstatement fees will still apply.

No appointment or prior registration is required to participate.

STATEWIDE INITIATIVE EXPANDS ACCESS

Operation Green Light is part of a statewide effort running from April 11 through April 25, 2026, aimed at helping thousands of Floridians resolve overdue fines and get back on the road legally.

The program is designed to reduce financial barriers that often prevent residents from addressing court-related debt and driver license suspensions.

YEAR-ROUND SUPPORT AVAILABLE

Residents who cannot attend the April 15 event can still receive assistance year-round through the Clerk’s Compliance Division, located in Suite 410 of the courthouse.

Staff members are available to help individuals set up payment plans and guide them through the license reinstatement process.

Central Florida News

Bodycam Shows Deputy Shoot Suspect After Taser Fails Outside Walmart, Authorities Say

Published

2 months ago

March 19, 2026

Willie David

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — The Orange County Sheriff’s Office released body-worn camera footage from a deputy-involved shooting involving a suspected shoplifter outside a Walmart store nearly a month after the incident.

Deputies Respond to Armed Shoplifting Call

According to investigators, deputies responded around 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 22, 2026, to a reported shoplifting incident at the Walmart on East Colonial Drive.

A caller told dispatchers a man wearing a black ski mask was attempting to steal merchandise, appeared to have a knife and was declaring “martial law” as he exited the store with a shopping cart full of items.

Bodycam Shows Confrontation Before Shooting

Deputies said a responding deputy encountered the suspect on Colonial Drive near the store pushing a cart loaded with merchandise.

Body-camera footage shows the deputy giving multiple commands for the man to stop. Authorities said the suspect ignored the commands. The deputy then deployed a Taser, but it had no effect.

Shortly afterward, the deputy can be heard warning the suspect at least three times not to reach. Moments later, the deputy fired his service weapon, striking the man.

Deputies on scene secured the suspect and provided first aid before he was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators said two knives were recovered at the scene.

Suspect Identified; Investigation Underway

Authorities identified the suspect as Jason Anthony Beal, 48. He was charged with robbery with a deadly weapon and resisting an officer with violence.

The shooting remains under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which will submit its findings to the State Attorney’s Office for review.

As part of standard protocol, the deputy involved has been placed on temporary paid administrative leave pending the initial FDLE review. The sheriff’s office will also conduct an internal investigation once the state probe is completed.