Marcos R. Lopez, the sheriff of Osceola County, Florida, was charged with a felony on Thursday for allegedly running a large gambling enterprise while unlawfully utilizing his authority as a shield.
According to law enforcement officials, the gaming organization generated over $21.6 million in illicit profits.
“Sheriff Lopez played a multifaceted role in expanding and protecting this illegal enterprise, using his office to shield the enterprise from law enforcement,” according to the office of Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.
Sheriff Christopher Blackmon was appointed in lieu of Sheriff Lopez after Governor Ron DeSantis suspended him with an executive order.
Additionally, the injunction prevents Lopez or any of his employees from taking computers, papers, and other material out of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
“This is a solemn day for Florida and our law enforcement community,” Uthmeier continued in a statement. The people’s confidence should never be abused by public personnel for their own benefit. Sheriff Lopez, his cronies, and all criminals will be held accountable by our Statewide Prosecutors.”
Racketeering and conspiracy to conduct racketeering are the charges against Lopez.
In a response, Osceola County Manager Don Fisher stated that the county was not involved in the investigation and that the sheriff is a separate constitutional officer.
“However, the County and our Commission stand ready at the helm to support Interim Sheriff Christopher Blackmon and the courageous men and women of the Osceola Sheriff’s Department however we can during this period, as appropriate,” Fisher stated.
Following his election as sheriff in 2020, Lopez “continued to advance the interests of the criminal organization and collected a portion of the illegal gambling proceeds for his involvement,” according to the Florida Attorney General’s Office.
According to officials, the criminal group that ran the illicit gambling operation throughout Central Florida was discovered in 2023 by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations.
In a statement, Special Agent in Charge John Condon of Homeland Security Investigations Tampa said, “Today’s arrest demonstrates HSI’s dedication to holding everyone accountable, including public officials.
No one is above the law, regardless of their status.
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“Corruption undermines the integrity of public trust, HSI along with our partners are committed to combatting it.”
“As law enforcement, we are held to higher standards of integrity and character than other professions,” stated Commissioner Mark Glass of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in a statement. As the legitimately elected sheriff of Osceola County, Lopez betrayed the integrity and trust that were expected of him, as this case demonstrated.
The investigation is still ongoing, and more arrests are anticipated soon.
Lopez may also be charged with further offenses.
