Woman files voter intimidation complaint alleging commissioner Hill spat in face

ORLANDO, Fla. — Channel 9 has learned the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is reviewing a complaint against Regina Hill, Orlando's newest city commissioner.

The complaint accuses Hill of voter intimidation after a woman claims Hill threatened and spit on her.

Hill beat out former Daisy Lynum's son, Juan, to become the first sworn in commissioner that has a criminal record, though she claims to have left that life behind.

But Parramore resident Beverly Burgess questions the tactics Hill used to win that position, and her complaint of voter intimidation is now being reviewed by FDLE.

"She puts her hands in my face and states in front of my minor child and my husband, 'You don't have the right to give a political opinion on me, and you had better vote for me. If you don't, as an Eastern Star, I will make your life a living hell,'" said Burgess.

Burgess said the confrontation happened after she made a Facebook post that questioned every candidate in the race, saying, "Regina Hill, Cynthia Harris and Juan Lynum either fulfill your promises to the people of District 5...or step down now."

"(Hill) wads up the spit in her mouth and let's lose a big wad of spit in my face," said Burgess.

Burgess filed her complaint in March. Recently, the Department of State found the complaint had "legal sufficiency" and forwarded it to FDLE for further review, a step the department said it only takes with complaints that warrant it.

Hill's office issued a statement Thursday night saying, "Commissioner Regina I. Hill ran her campaign with integrity. The allegations are untrue. Commissioner Regina I. Hill is very excited and looks forward to serving the constituents of District Five."

Burgess hopes her complaint will encourage anyone else who may have felt intimidated to come forward.

WFTV