Kissimmee Mayor Charged with Grand Theft and Fraud Over $50,000 Grant Scheme
Tallahassee, Fla. – On Oct. 21, 2026, Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of Kissimmee Mayor Eva Jacquelyn Espinosa. She has been charged with grand theft and an organized scheme to defraud for allegedly taking $50,000 from a city grant program she helped design.
According to the investigation, Espinosa became mayor in November 2024 and soon pushed the City of Kissimmee’s Business Boost 2.0 program, funded with American Rescue Plan Act dollars to aid small businesses. When the program opened for applications in September 2025, she and immediate family members submitted three applications for businesses they owned, requesting a total of $50,000.
Alleged Misuse of Grant Funds
The release says the mayor was warned that taking the money was prohibited, yet the applications were approved and the funds were deposited into accounts linked to the Espinosa family. Prosecutors allege she used her official position to shape the program and then benefit personally.
- Espinosa takes office as mayor of Kissimmee
- Business Boost 2.0 program opens; family submits applications
- Attorney General announces arrest and charges
Source: Florida Attorney General
Legal Charges Explained
Grand theft in Florida is a second‑degree felony for taking property valued between $20,000 and $100,000. An organized scheme to defraud is a first‑degree felony that involves a coordinated effort to obtain $50,000 or more through illegal means. Both carry significant prison time and fines if convicted.
Impact on Residents and Small Businesses
Anyone who applied for or received Business Boost 2.0 funds should review their applications for compliance with conflict‑of‑interest rules. If you suspect similar wrongdoing, you can contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement or the Department of Financial Services to report it. No specific deadline was mentioned, but staying alert for further notices is advisable.
When to Seek Legal Help
If you are a business owner who received grant money or have questions about potential conflicts of interest, consulting a criminal‑defense attorney can help you understand your rights and any possible exposure.
What this means: our conclusions
- What to watchGreater Oversight of Grant Programs
The arrest shows Florida officials will more closely audit grant programs, which could deter future misuse.
- Good newsAccountability for Elected Officials
Holding a mayor accountable may reassure voters that public funds are being protected.
- RiskLegal Risk for Officials Managing Funds
Elected leaders who benefit from programs they oversee now face heightened legal exposure.
- What to watchPotential for Additional Investigations
The joint effort by FDLE and DFS suggests other municipalities could see similar probes.
- What to doAction for Grant Recipients
Review grant applications for conflicts, keep documentation, and report concerns to state investigators promptly.
This article is general information based on Florida Attorney General and court or agency records available at publication time. It is not legal advice; laws and deadlines differ by state and by case. Published October 21, 2026.
Source: Florida Attorney General
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