DeSantis Suspends Kissimmee Mayor Espinosa After Ethics, Fraud Charges

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Kissimmee Mayor Eva Jacqulyn "Jackie" Espinosa on Friday, following her October arrest on fraud and grand theft charges and an ethics case tied to the Boost 2.0 small-business grant program.

Vice Mayor Angela Eady will serve as mayor until the suspension is lifted or Espinosa's term ends. Espinosa, who is Puerto Rican, was arrested Oct. 21 on counts of organized fraud involving $50,000 or more and theft between $20,000 and $100,000, according to jail records. Prosecutors say the charges stem from Boost 2.0 grants that went to businesses connected to Espinosa and her relatives. Under Florida law, the theft count carries up to 15 years and the fraud count up to 30 years.

On Oct. 23, the Florida Ethics Commission approved a settlement in which Espinosa admitted violating state ethics law. The agreement requires a $2,000 payment to the commission and a public apology, according to a five-page filing her attorneys submitted Sept. 16. The settlement resolves the complaint filed over Boost 2.0.

Boost 2.0 used federal funds to help small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ethics Commission complaint and the criminal charges both arose from grants issued through that program. DeSantis's action came while multiple investigations involving Espinosa were pending.

Espinosa's suspension leaves Eady in charge of Kissimmee's city operations. The case remains before the Florida Ethics Commission and the courts.