Jackie Espinosa denies criminal intent as city grant scandal unfolds

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.An arrest affidavit also details internal concerns about the applications, including a city employee’s request for legal guidance before the grants were approved.Employee asked for legal reviewAccording to the affidavit, Yolanda Claudio, an employee reviewing applications for Kissimmee’s Business Boost 2.0 program, noticed three applications involving Espinosa’s businesses in September 2025.On Sept. 18, Claudio emailed Economic Development Director David Rodriguez asking him to obtain verification from the city attorne