Osceola leaders differ over timing of Kissimmee mayor’s arrest ahead of election

Local leaders and community advocates gathered in Osceola County on Thursday to raise concerns about the upcoming election and the recent arrest of Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa.Some leaders are questioning whether the timing of the arrest was politically motivated as voters prepare to head to the polls in less than two weeks.Speakers from local organizations and political offices alleged that Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier intentionally delayed the arrest to influence the political landscape ahead of the November election.Espinosa is not on the ballot this year and is not seeking reelection.During the news conference, Marcos Vilar, founder of Alianza for Progress, suggested the arrest should have occurred after the elections.“What would you say is the correct timing, then, if you’re saying that this timing was on purpose?” Channel 9 Reporter Amy Diaz asked.“The day after the election,” Vilar responded.Not all leaders in attendance agreed with that assessment.Related-- Kissi