By Ruth Ferguson, NDG Editor
Former Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill had another day in court on Tuesday, April 30 when the Federal Fifth Circuit heard an appeal of his conviction. Hill, 61 years old, was convicted in 2009 on corruption charges and is serving his 18-year prison sentence in a federal prison in Kentucky.
Several friends and family members attended the one hour hearing after driving over nine hours, to lend their support. They gathered for prayer outside the court before proceedings started. The attendees included his 87-year old mother, Mary Hill and his brother Doug Hill. Also in attendance was former Dallas NAACP president and long-time civil rights activist Lee Alcorn.
Seth Kretzer, defense attorney appointed to represent Hill, argued the government never actually proved that developer Bill Fisher was actually a victim of extortion. He also said that Hill’s voting record does not demonstrate any basis to Fisher or any developer. Government attorneys relied on the strength of their trial witnesses and precorded conversations as proof there was misdeeds.
The Federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals is not expected to issue a ruling for a month or more. Also, if they decide to overturn the conviction, it will likely impact the convictions of Hill’s wife Sheila Farrington, and associates D’Angelo Lee and Darren Reagan.
Free Don Hill !!!!!!