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

Reveckeyo Anwann Hill, 38, has been in jail since April 11 on warrants obtained by Athens-Clarke police charging him with 14 counts of fraud from 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 a $10,000 bond. Patterson argued that Hill posed no danger to the community if released, Hill has working ties to Athens and turned himself in on the charges.

Patterson represented Hill as Athens lawyer Adam Levin was unable to attend the bond hearing for his client.

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But the assistant district attorney argued that while Hill has no violent history, he is alleged to have committed a crime while he was already out on bond and he noted the fact that Hill resides in Banks County with no ties Athens.

Hill was arrested on the warrants that stem from fraudulent vehicle loans, many linked to his business H&P Auto Brokers in Athens, according to police.

Hill also faces similar charges filed against him in 2023. He has already been indicted on some charges and has pleaded not guilty. He was convicted on fraud and forgery charges in Elbert County, but avoided going to prison as he was released on an appeals bond.

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 reports for future court proceedings. Another witness, John C. Barnett, a civil rights activists from True Healing Under God in North Carolina, testified he met Hill about 20 years ago when they worked on a civil rights case in Hartwell.

Barnett and Hill’s wife, Tenisha Hill, both testified that Hill has a heart condition for which they don’t believe he is getting proper medication in the Athens-Clarke County Jail.

A hold has also been placed on Hill from Gwinnett County, where he also faces a charge.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Bond denied for minister charged in massive fraud case in Athens