Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa Arrested on Fraud and Grand Theft Charges
Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa was arrested on Wednesday morning, facing charges of grand theft and participating in an organized scheme to defraud, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on social media. WKMG ClickOrlando reported that the arrest follows an investigation into the alleged misuse of city COVID-19 relief funds.
Attorney General Uthmeier and CFO Ingoglia Outline the Case in Orlando
Attorney General Uthmeier was joined at an Orlando news conference by Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Commissioner Larry Keefe, and special counsel Rich Mantei to detail the charges against the mayor. Uthmeier stated that the investigation centers on the city’s Business Boost 2.0 program, which was established to help small businesses recover from the pandemic rather than allow officials to enrich themselves. According to investigators, Espinosa submitted three separate applications on the day the program opened in September 2025, seeking $50,000 for herself and her family members.
Incredible work by everyone involved! Commissioner Keefe will provide an update on the case during the press conference today. https://t.co/HPbUjRlwgc
CFO Ingoglia added that a routine audit uncovered a broader pattern involving seven businesses located in properties owned or managed by Espinosa’s family. These entities collected a combined total of $90,000 in grant funds, split between $50,000 going directly to Espinosa’s businesses and $40,000 going to tenants. Ingoglia stated that Espinosa faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
Defense Counsel Migdalia Perez Responds to the Charges
Defense attorney Migdalia Perez released a statement maintaining her client’s innocence and emphasizing that the grants were part of a publicly approved program administered by city staff rather than a secret theft scheme. The prosecution must establish that the mayor acted with criminal intent. We firmly maintain that she did not,
Migdalia Perez stated. The defense intends to challenge the allegations vigorously in court, asserting that an ethics violation does not automatically constitute a criminal offense.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Espinosa Investigation
What specific program was investigated by state officials?
State auditors examined the Business Boost 2.0 program, a municipal COVID-19 relief initiative launched in September 2025 to support local small businesses.
What prior disciplinary action did Espinosa face?
In September, the Florida Commission on Ethics censured Espinosa and recommended a $2,000 fine following an inquiry into whether she funneled relief funds to family-tied businesses.
Who else is scheduled to provide updates on the case?
FDLE Commissioner Larry Keefe and other state officials announced further case details during a scheduled afternoon press conference in Orlando.
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