Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa was taken into custody on October 21, 2026, on charges of grand theft and organized scheme to defraud for allegedly directing $50,000 in COVID‑19 relief funds to businesses owned by her family.

The arrest follows an ethics investigation that found the mayor violated multiple rules by failing to disclose personal interests in the use of public money. State Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the charges in a public statement.

Alleged Misuse of COVID‑19 Relief Funds

According to Florida Today, Espinosa is accused of steering pandemic‑relief dollars toward companies with direct family connections. The alleged amount totals $50,000, a sum that prosecutors say was improperly allocated without competitive bidding or public disclosure.

Ethics Investigation Triggers Criminal Probe

The Florida Commission on Ethics conducted a review after a prior impeachment attempt against the mayor. The commission concluded that Espinosa breached ethics rules, prompting the Attorney General’s office to open a criminal investigation that culminated in her arrest.

Legal Charges and Attorney Response

Espinosa faces two primary charges: grand theft and organized scheme to defraud. Her attorney, Migdalia Perez, asserted that the prosecution must prove criminal intent and maintains that her client “did not” act with such intent. A press conference is scheduled for the following Wednesday to address the matter.

"The prosecution must establish that the mayor acted with criminal intent," Espinosa’s attorney said.

Key Facts

• Suspect: Jackie Espinosa, Mayor of Kissimmee
• Location: Kissimmee, Osceola County, FL
• Crime: Alleged fraud involving COVID‑19 relief funds
• Amount Involved: $50,000
• Date of Arrest: October 21, 2026
• Current Status: Arrested; legal proceedings pending, attorney denies intent

Next Steps in the Legal Process

The case will move forward in Osceola County court, where a preliminary hearing will determine whether the charges proceed to trial. If convicted, Espinosa could face restitution, fines, and possible removal from office. The investigation also raises broader questions about oversight of emergency funding in Florida municipalities. Authorities have indicated that additional reviews of other local officials’ use of pandemic aid may follow.