OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa pleaded not guilty Wednesday to grand theft and organized scheme to defraud charges involving $50,000 in city grants awarded to family businesses.
Her attorney, Migdalia Perez, filed the written plea, waived arraignment and requested evidence from prosecutors following Espinosa’s arrest Wednesday morning.
“This case involves a publicly approved grant program administered by City staff, not a secret scheme to steal taxpayer money,” Perez said in a statement.
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, the businesses received $20,000 for Adanse LLC, $15,000 for Kissimmee Diner Inc., which operates as Matador Tacos & Tapas, and $15,000 for The Real Estate Gallery LLC.
Investigators said the funds were deposited Nov. 7, 2025. The state alleges Espinosa declined to return the money after the city attorney notified her Dec. 5 that accepting it created a prohibited conflict of interest.
Read how investigators say the grant applications and payments unfolded.
Court records detail internal concerns
The affidavit also describes questions raised inside City Hall before the grants were approved.
City employee Yolanda Claudio told investigators she stopped reviewing the applications and asked Economic Development Director David Rodriguez to obtain guidance from the city attorney about a possible conflict.
Rodriguez told investigators he approved the applications because the program’s guidelines did not specifically exclude the mayor’s businesses. According to the affidavit, he did not consult the city attorney about the potential conflict.
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,” Perez said.
Espinosa remained mayor Wednesday afternoon
Espinosa had not been suspended as of Wednesday afternoon and continued to hold office. Channel 9 examined the city’s succession process and what could happen next.
The arrest follows months of scrutiny of the grants. 9 Investigates previously reported that a special prosecutor found probable cause to pursue Espinosa’s impeachment.
The criminal allegations have not been proven in court.
Only Channel 9 witnessed arrest
Only Channel 9 was there when law enforcement pulled Espinosa over shortly after 8 a.m. Wednesday as she drove away from her home. Officers asked her to step out of the vehicle and placed her in handcuffs.
Earlier coverage:
Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa was arrested Wednesday after state investigators accused her of using her official position to improperly influence the awarding of city business grants benefiting her family’s businesses.
Espinosa was booked into the Osceola County Jail on grand theft and organized scheme to defraud charges.
Only Channel 9 was there when law enforcement pulled Espinosa over shortly after 8 a.m. as she drove away from her home. Officers asked her to step out of the vehicle and placed her in handcuffs.
Jail records list Espinosa under her full name, Eva Jacqulyn Espinosa. The grand theft charge involves an amount greater than $20,000 but less than $100,000.
This morning, we arrested Kissimmee mayor Jackie Espinosa and are charging her with Grand Theft and Organized Scheme to Defraud. We will be holding a press conference at 2pm at our Orlando office with CFO Ingoglia and FDLE Commissioner Keefe to provide more information.
— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) October 21, 2026
Investigators outline business grant allegations
At a Wednesday afternoon news conference, state officials said the investigation centered on Kissimmee’s Business Boost 2.0 grant program.
Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said an audit identified irregularities in how the grants were awarded. Investigators allege Espinosa applied for grants on behalf of family businesses and used her position to improperly influence the distribution of funds.
Officials said businesses located in properties owned or managed by Espinosa’s family received grants through the program.
Attorney General James Uthmeier accused Espinosa of working to streamline the process and reduce oversight so she and her immediate family could receive city funds to which they were not entitled.
Ingoglia said his office referred its findings to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Commission on Ethics and a special prosecutor appointed by the city.
The charges are allegations. Espinosa is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
First court appearance pending
An Osceola County Jail booking clerk told Channel 9 that Espinosa is not scheduled to make her first court appearance Wednesday.
Channel 9 has followed investigation
9 Investigates has been reporting on an ongoing FDLE investigation involving Espinosa.
Channel 9 is gathering additional information and will provide updates on Eyewitness News and WFTV.com.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2026 Cox Media Group
