Bond denied for suspect in massive fraud case in Athens

Bond was denied Thursday by a Georgia minister and auto dealer accused in a massive fraud case that alleges he stole thousands of dollars in fraudulent vehicle loans.

Reveckeyo Anwann Hill, 38, has been jailed since April 11 on warrants obtained by Athens-Clarke police charging him with 14 counts of theft by deception, identification fraud and forgery.

Hill was brought before Western Circuit Superior Court Judge Lawton Stephens, where attorney Brian Patterson, a former prosecutor, asked the judge to release him on $10,000 bail. Patterson argued that Hill would not pose a danger to the community if he were released. Hill has working ties to Athens and turned himself in on the charges.

Patterson represented Hill while Athens attorney Adam Levin was unable to attend his client’s bond hearing.

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But the assistant district attorney argued that although Hill has no history of violence, he allegedly committed a crime while already out on bail and noted the fact that Hill resides in Banks County with no ties to Athens.

Hill was arrested on warrants stemming from fraudulent vehicle loans, many of them linked to his H&P Auto Brokers business in Athens, police said.

Hill also faces similar charges filed against him in 2023. He has already been indicted on a few charges and has pleaded not guilty. He was convicted on fraud and forgery charges in Elbert County, but avoided going to prison by being released on bail.

During Thursday’s hearing, the court heard from an 84-year-old Gainesville preacher and a 28-year-old youth minister who spoke on Hill’s behalf, with both saying they would ensure he appears in future court proceedings. . Another witness, John C. Barnett, a civil rights activist with True Healing Under God in North Carolina, testified that he met Hill about 20 years ago when they were working on a civil rights case in Hartwell.

Barnett and Hill’s wife, Tenisha Hill, testified that Hill has a heart condition for which they do not believe he is receiving adequate medication at the Athens-Clarke County Jail.

Hill was also taken into custody by Gwinnett County, where he also faces a charge.

This article originally appeared in the Athens Banner-Herald: Bond denied to minister accused of massive fraud case in Athens