KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A city grant program intended to help small businesses recover from the pandemic is at the center of the criminal case against Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa.
State investigators allege Espinosa helped create and expand the program, then applied alongside immediate family members for $50,000 benefiting three businesses they owned or controlled.
The Florida Attorney General’s Office outlined the allegations Wednesday after Espinosa was arrested and booked into the Osceola County Jail on grand theft and organized scheme to defraud charges.
Here is how investigators say the grants were awarded and why prosecutors are pursuing charges.
What was the grant program?
Kissimmee’s Business Boost 2.0 program used American Rescue Plan Act dollars to provide one-time assistance to eligible small businesses within the city, according to the attorney general’s office.
Investigators say Espinosa took office as mayor in November 2024 and subsequently advocated for and voted on the program’s creation and expansion.
The state alleges she worked to simplify the process and reduce oversight in ways that enabled her and immediate family members to receive funds to which they were not entitled.
When did her family apply?
According to the attorney general’s office, Espinosa and immediate family members submitted applications on the day the program opened in September 2025.
The applications sought a combined $50,000 for three businesses they owned or controlled.
The grants were approved, and the funds were deposited into accounts linked to the Espinosa family on Nov. 7, 2025, investigators said. The attorney general’s office said bank records confirmed the deposits.
What did the city attorney tell her?
On Dec. 5, 2025, the city attorney notified Espinosa that accepting the funds created a prohibited conflict of interest and advised her to return the money, according to the state’s account.
Investigators allege Espinosa declined, said she would fight any complaint and took no corrective action.
“Public officials do not get to write the rules and then write themselves a check,” Attorney General James Uthmeier said in a statement announcing the arrest.
What charges does she face?
The warrant charges Espinosa with one count of grand theft involving $20,000 to $100,000, a second-degree felony, and one count of organized scheme to defraud involving $50,000 or more, a first-degree felony.
The allegations have not been proven in court. Espinosa is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Department of Financial Services Criminal Investigations Division jointly investigated the case.
The attorney general’s office said Richard Mantei, special counsel with the Office of Statewide Prosecution’s Public Integrity Unit, will prosecute the case in the 13th Judicial Circuit.
What has Channel 9 previously reported?
Only Channel 9 was there Wednesday morning when law enforcement pulled Espinosa over as she drove away from her home and placed her in handcuffs.
Read the latest on Espinosa’s arrest and booking here.
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