DeSantis suspends Kissimmee mayor following arrest on two felony charges
Katherine oversees editorial operations across all six brands. Before joining The Meridan Group, she spent 14 years at the Minneapolis Star Tribune, where she led the metro desk through its digital transformation. She holds a Master's in Journalism from Northwestern's Medill School.
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Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered the immediate suspension of Kissimmee Mayor Eva Jacqulyn Espinosa following her arrest on charges of grand theft and scheme to defraud, according to the supplied text of an executive order dated Friday, Oct. 30.Executive Order 26-226 removes Espinosa from her duties as mayor and as the holder of City Commission Seat 5. It also prohibits her from receiving pay, allowances or other privileges of office during the suspension.According to the order, Espinosa was arrested Oct. 21 and charged with two felony counts: grand theft under Florida Statutes section 812.014(2)(b)(1) and scheme to defraud under section 817.034(4)(a)(1).The charges are allegations, not findings of guilt.Related-- Kissimmee Vice Mayor to assume some mayoral duties following Espinosa’s arrestWhat the order means for City HallThe suspension takes effect immediately and remains in place until a further executive order is issued or as otherwise provided by law. It is a suspension, not a perman