KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa has posted bond and is awaiting release from the Osceola County Jail, jail officials confirmed Thursday.
A judge set her total bond at $70,000 on grand theft and organized scheme to defraud charges. She has pleaded not guilty.
Jail officials said release typically takes four to six hours after bond is posted. Her exact release time has not been confirmed.
Channel 9 crews will remain outside the jail throughout the evening to capture her departure and bring you live coverage when she leaves.
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A judge set bond totaling $70,000 for Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa on Thursday during her first court appearance following her arrest on grand theft and organized scheme to defraud charges.
Bond was set at $20,000 on count one and $50,000 on count two.
The court also dismissed without prejudice a request concerning the source of bond funds, leaving open the possibility that the request could be brought again.
Espinosa’s next court date is scheduled for 8 a.m. Dec. 1. The bond ruling does not establish that she has posted bond or been released.
Charges involve city business grants
Espinosa was arrested Wednesday morning after state investigators accused her of improperly obtaining $50,000 in city grants benefiting family businesses.
Only Channel 9 was there when officers pulled her over shortly after 8 a.m. as she drove away from her home and placed her in handcuffs.
Prosecutors allege Espinosa helped create and expand Kissimmee’s Business Boost 2.0 program, then applied alongside immediate family members for grants benefiting three businesses they owned or controlled.
According to the arrest affidavit, Adanse LLC received $20,000; Kissimmee Diner Inc., which operates as Matador Tacos & Tapas, received $15,000; and The Real Estate Gallery LLC received $15,000.
Investigators said the money was deposited Nov. 7, 2025. The state alleges Espinosa declined to return it after the city attorney notified her that accepting the funds created a prohibited conflict of interest.
Read how investigators say the grant applications and payments unfolded.
Espinosa maintains her innocence
Espinosa’s attorney, Migdalia Perez, filed a written not-guilty plea Wednesday, waived arraignment and requested evidence from prosecutors.
“This case involves a publicly approved grant program administered by City staff, not a secret scheme to steal taxpayer money,” Perez said.
Perez said Espinosa denies acting with criminal intent and argued that an alleged ethics violation does not establish a criminal offense.
“We intend to challenge these allegations vigorously in court,” she said.
The charges have not been proven in court.
City outlines plans during mayor’s absence
The city announced Wednesday that Vice Mayor Angela Eady would perform mayoral duties at City Commission meetings and ceremonial events in Espinosa’s absence.
The announcement said Espinosa remained in office because an arrest alone does not vacate the seat under the city charter.
City Manager Mike Steigerwald also authorized an internal investigation into Business Boost 2.0. Officials said city services would continue normally.
Read more about the city’s succession process.
9 Investigates previously reported that a special prosecutor found probable cause to pursue Espinosa’s impeachment over allegations involving the grants.
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