Equal Justice?
Don Hill, associates found guilty on most counts
“J
ustice was not served,” says Sheila Hill. Former mayor pro tem Don Hill, his wife Sheila and three other defendants were found guilty on almost all federal counts of exercising bribery and extortion of funds involved in business transactions with the Southwest Housing Company on low-income housing projects.
Attorneys representing Don Hill and D’Angelo Lee stated that they will appeal the decision. The Hills, Lee and Robertson were released pending sentencing. A hearing is scheduled for Darren Reagan, who was already detained on a previous conviction.
While disagreeing with the decision, Hill said the charges do not reflect the actual motives he maintained toward his actions.
“I said on the witness stand that I know that there were certain things I could have done much better. But I know in my heart that I didn’t have a corrupt intent,” Don Hill said outside the federal court building. “That’s why you’re not going to see tears anger or bitterness from us because that’s just not what our motivations were.”
Sheila Hill said she still believes in the justice system, but stated that the jurors did not make the right decision.
“It’s unfortunate that justice was not served, because my husband and I are innocent, Sheila said. “We’re not guilty of what we’re being charged off. You would hope justice would be fair. I’m not saying that the system was not fair, this verdict was not a good verdict.”
The jury found Hill guilty on seven of eight counts involving bribery and extortion conspiracy. Sheila was found guilty on five similar counts. Lee was found guilty on all seven counts charged against him, Darren Reagan on two counts and Robertson also on two.
Sentencing by District Judge Barbara Lynn will take place in December.
The Dallas Weekly will have continuing coverage, with comments from members of the public.
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