Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa was arrested Wednesday, October 21, and charged with grand theft and an organised scheme to defraud, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on social media. Uthmeier wrote: "This morning, we arrested Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa and are charging her with Grand Theft and Organised Scheme to Defraud." A news conference was scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at the Attorney General's Orlando office, where CFO Blaise Ingoglia and Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Keefe were expected to speak.
The high-profile arrest follows months of escalating legal scrutiny and fierce political turmoil in the region. In September, the Florida Commission on Ethics censured Espinosa and recommended a $2,000 fine after investigating whether she funnelled $50,000 in city COVID-19 relief funds to businesses tied directly to her family.
A special prosecutor's July report found probable cause to pursue impeachment on three of seven alleged ethics violations involving grants through the city's Business Boost 2.0 program, which was funded by American Rescue Plan Act money. The investigative report alleged that Espinosa "took public monies without disclosing her personal interests" and failed to return the funds after being explicitly advised by authorities that the allocation was improper.
City commissioners deadlocked 2-2 in August on whether to proceed with a formal impeachment trial, falling short of the required 3-1 supermajority vote needed to advance the proceedings. Espinosa, who took office in 2024, has consistently maintained her innocence throughout the ordeal, claiming that city staff never warned her that accepting the relief grants was inappropriate.
Further details regarding the ongoing judicial process and upcoming court appearances are expected to be released by the state prosecutor's office as the case moves forward. Local governance experts and community leaders have expressed deep concern over the allegations, noting that public trust in municipal institutions has been severely strained by the scandal.
The legal team representing Espinosa has not yet issued a comprehensive formal statement regarding the specific grand theft charges filed against the sitting mayor.