How prosecutors say Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa obtained $50,000 for family businesses

A city grant program intended to help small businesses recover from the pandemic is at the center of the criminal case against Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa.State investigators allege Espinosa helped create and expand the program, then applied alongside immediate family members for $50,000 benefiting three businesses they owned or controlled.The Florida Attorney General’s Office outlined the allegations Wednesday after Espinosa was arrested and booked into the Osceola County Jail on grand theft and organized scheme to defraud charges.Here is how investigators say the grants were awarded and why prosecutors are pursuing charges.What was the grant program?Kissimmee’s Business Boost 2.0 program used American Rescue Plan Act dollars to provide one-time assistance to eligible small businesses within the city, according to the attorney general’s office.Investigators say Espinosa took office as mayor in November 2024 and subsequently advocated for and voted on the program’s creation and exp