Fla.: Democrat Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa arrested, charged with theft in COVID-19 relief fund scheme

According to a state officals, the Democrat mayor of Kissimmee, Florida, has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including grand theft and organized scheme to defraud.

Jackie Espinosa (D-Fla.) who was elected Mayor of Kissimmee in November 2024, faced ethics complaints and legal scrutiny shortly after taking office regarding her alleged misuse of the COVID-19 relief grants. 

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced her arrest in an X post on Wednesday.

“This morning, we arrested Kissimmee mayor Jackie Espinosa and are charging her with Grand Theft and Organized Scheme to Defraud,” Uthmeier wrote on X. “We will be holding a press conference at 2pm at our Orlando office with CFO Ingoglia and FDLE Commissioner Keefe to provide more information.” 

USA TODAY reported that Espinosa reported that the mayor is accused of directing $50,000 in COVID-19 relief funds to businesses connected to her family, though the specific details about the circumstances were not immediately released.

State officials noted that if convicted, she could face up to 30 years in prison. Her defense attorney has maintained her innocence, stating that the grant allocations were publicly approved and lacked criminal intent.

Credit: oan.com