Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on Wednesday the arrest of Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa.Uthmeier shared the announcement via social media, stating that Espinosa faces charges related to grand theft and participation in an organized fraudulent scheme. However, the specific details about the case have not been disclosed.
The investigation contended that Espinosa misappropriated public funds designated for a COVID-19 relief program and neglected to reveal conflicts of interest when distributing the funds to enterprises owned by her family members.
“No warning should have been necessary; the oath of office is warning enough,” the report continued. “The people of Kissimmee are entitled to a full and public accounting of where their money went, and the return of those monies.”
Earlier this year, a special prosecutor determined there was probable cause to initiate impeachment proceedings against Espinosa following an investigation into potential ethics violations.
