Kissimmee Mayor Arrested on Theft, Fraud Charges, AG Says

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Wednesday morning that Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa has been arrested.

Uthmeier posted the announcement on social media, stating that Espinosa is being charged with grand theft and an organized scheme to defraud.

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State officials are expected to provide more details on Wednesday. Uthmeier said a news conference is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Attorney General’s Orlando office, where CFO Blaise Ingoglia and Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Keefe are also expected to speak.

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The arrest comes after months of legal and political turmoil for Espinosa. In September, the Florida Commission on Ethics censured her and recommended a $2,000 fine following an investigation into whether she funneled $50,000 in city COVID-19 relief funds to businesses tied to her family.

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