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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

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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

Family of Corey Ruiz to Speak Publicly for First Time Alongside Attorney Ben Crump Following Fatal Madison Police Shooting

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MADISON, Wis. (July 24, 2026) — Nationally renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump will join the family of Corey Ruiz at a news conference Saturday in Madison, where family members are expected to speak publicly for the first time since Ruiz was fatally shot by a Madison police officer.

Ruiz’s family, joined by attorneys Ben Crump, Steve Hart, and B’Ivory Lamarr, along with State Rep. Shelia Stubbs (D–Madison), is expected to call for a full, independent investigation into the shooting and seek accountability for the circumstances surrounding Ruiz’s death.

According to the Madison Police Department, Ruiz was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon during an encounter with officers at a busy intersection on the city’s near-east side. Police have stated that Ruiz allegedly produced a fixed-blade knife and injured an officer during a struggle before an officer discharged his firearm.

However, video recorded by a bystander and reported by the Wisconsin Examiner appears to show an officer stomping Ruiz while he was on the ground as the first gunshot was fired. The video has drawn increased public attention and renewed questions regarding the officers’ use of force during the incident.

The incident has also highlighted the fact that Madison police officers do not wear body cameras, prompting additional calls from community members and civil rights advocates for greater transparency and independent review.

Scheduled Speakers

  • Corey Ruiz’s family
  • Attorney Ben Crump
  • Attorney Steve Hart
  • Attorney B’Ivory Lamarr
  • State Rep. Shelia Stubbs (D–Madison)

The news conference is expected to address the family’s response to the shooting, outline the legal team’s next steps, and reiterate calls for an independent investigation into the incident.

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Central Florida News

Orlando Police Arrest Three Following Shooting at West Lakes Apartment Complex

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Orlando Police arrested three suspects Thursday following a shooting at the Pendana at West Lakes Club Apartments that led to a high-speed pursuit spanning Orange and Seminole counties.

Police said no injuries were reported despite multiple rounds being fired during the incident.

Shooting Reported at Apartment Complex

According to the Orlando Police Department (OPD), officers responded at approximately 3:50 p.m. Thursday, July 9, to the 2000 block of Orange Center Boulevard after receiving reports of gunfire at the Pendana at West Lakes Club Apartments.

During the investigation, detectives reviewed surveillance video showing occupants of a black sedan and a black SUV firing multiple rounds at two individuals riding scooters through the apartment complex.

Investigators said everyone involved fled the scene before officers arrived.

Police Locate Suspect Vehicles

Shortly after the shooting, Orlando officers located both suspect vehicles in the North Pine Hills area.

With assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), officers conducted a traffic stop on the black sedan and detained two suspects without incident.

Officers later located the black SUV and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to stop, triggering a police pursuit.

Helicopter Assists During Pursuit

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit tracked the fleeing SUV from the air while directing responding officers on the ground.

The pursuit ended in Altamonte Springs, where the driver stopped in front of a Burlington Coat Factory, abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot.

Orlando Police officers quickly apprehended the suspect.

Three Suspects Arrested

Police identified the suspects as:

Jacorey Lowery (DOB: July 8, 2006)

Charges:

  • Attempted Felony Murder (Firearm/Discharge)
  • Discharging a Firearm at Residential Property

Quincy Desponosse (DOB: April 21, 2008)

Charge:

  • Principal to Attempted First-Degree Murder

Semaj Blackshear

Charges:

  • Principal to Attempted Felony Murder with a Firearm
  • Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement at High Speed with Disregard for Public Safety or Property
  • Resisting an Officer Without Violence
  • Juvenile Violation of Probation

None of the Suspects Lived at the Complex

Investigators determined that none of the three individuals arrested were residents of the Pendana at West Lakes Club Apartments.

Police have not released information regarding a possible motive or whether the suspects knew the two individuals on the scooters.

Investigation Continues

The Orlando Police Department said the investigation remains active.

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).

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Crimes and Courts

Attorney General Uthmeier Announces Charges Against Six in South Florida Drug Trafficking Enterprise

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced charges against six individuals accused of participating in a multi-county drug trafficking enterprise operating in Broward County and surrounding areas of South Florida.

The defendants — Isaac Lakeith Bruton, Wayne Morgan Brutton Jr., Wayne Morgan Brutton Sr., Omar Dwayne Cooper, Rene Danger Jr., and Cleon Fabian Reid — are accused of participating in an organized criminal enterprise that allegedly distributed large quantities of illegal narcotics and laundered proceeds from drug sales.

Investigation Spanned Multiple Agencies

According to the Attorney General’s Office, the charges stem from a joint investigation led by the Broward Sheriff’s Office Organized Crime Unit and the Office of Statewide Prosecution, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.

“This joint investigation dismantled a criminal enterprise that pumped dangerous drugs into Florida communities,” Uthmeier said in a statement. “Through the tireless work of the Office of Statewide Prosecution and our great law enforcement partners, we are taking on more criminal prosecutions than ever before.”

Alleged Drug Trafficking Operation

Investigators allege the organization obtained and distributed kilogram quantities of cocaine, multiple pounds of marijuana, prescription pills and other controlled substances throughout South Florida.

According to authorities, members of the enterprise converted powdered cocaine into crack cocaine near distribution locations and utilized vehicles equipped with hidden compartments to transport narcotics.

The investigation further alleges that Bruton and Cooper laundered proceeds from drug sales through the purchase of vehicles, real estate, business investments, classic car restorations and jewelry.

Charges Filed

Bruton and Cooper are each charged with:

  • Racketeering (First-Degree Felony)
  • Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering (First-Degree Felony)
  • Money Laundering (Third-Degree Felony)

Brutton Jr., Brutton Sr., Danger Jr., and Reid are each charged with:

  • Racketeering (First-Degree Felony)
  • Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering (First-Degree Felony)

Potential Penalties

If convicted, Bruton and Cooper face up to 75 years in prison. Brutton Jr., Brutton Sr., Danger Jr., and Reid each face up to 60 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.

The case will be prosecuted by Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Jillian Tate and Nicholas Kaleel.

Presumption of Innocence

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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