Mayor arrested on theft charges

Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa was arrested Wednesday on grand theft and fraud charges. She allegedly used a COVID-19 relief program to illegally enrich herself and family members.

The charges and the money

Espinosa faces grand theft, a second-degree felony, and organized scheme to defraud, a first-degree felony. She is accused of improperly appropriating fifty thousand dollars through the city's Business Boost two point zero program.

How the scheme worked

An audit found three businesses owned or controlled by Espinosa or her immediate family received fifty thousand dollars total in grant funds.The businesses include a dance production studio, a diner and a real estate company.

Applications on day one

Espinosa and her family members allegedly applied for the grants on the day applications opened in September twenty twenty-five. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said the evidence shows clear intent to abuse her office.

“The evidence makes very clear that there was intent to engage in this conflict of interest that ultimately abused her office to enrich herself.”

Defence maintains innocence

Espinosa's attorney Migdalia Perez said the mayor maintains her innocence. Perez argued the case involves a publicly approved grant program, not a secret scheme, and that prosecution must prove criminal intent.

“This case involves a publicly approved grant program administered by City staff, not a secret scheme to steal taxpayer money.”

Court appearance and bond

Espinosa was booked Wednesday morning into Osceola County Jail under her full name, Eva Jacqulyn Espinosa.

Potential sentence and next steps

Espinosa faces up to thirty years in prison if convicted as charged.She remains mayor until suspension, removal or resignation.City manager Mike Steigerwald authorized an internal investigation of the Business Boost two point zero program.