Osceola County Sheriff Marcos R. Lopez has been arrested and suspended following allegations that he accepted money from and protected a massive illegal gambling operation that raked in more than $21.6 million across Central Florida, authorities announced Thursday.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed that Lopez, 56, was arrested on racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering charges after a lengthy investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Investigators first uncovered the illicit gambling enterprise in 2023, which was operating in Lake and Osceola Counties and generating tens of millions in unlawful proceeds. Officials say Lopez initially received campaign contributions and personal payments from the organization. But after his election as Osceola County Sheriff in November 2020, he allegedly continued to support the criminal enterprise, receiving a cut of the profits and using his office to shield the operation from law enforcement scrutiny.
Lopez was booked into the Lake County Jail, according to public records. Authorities said multiple other suspects are expected to be served with search warrants in connection to the case.
“This is a solemn day for Florida and our law enforcement community,” Uthmeier said in a statement. “We put great trust in our constitutional officers, especially those who are our communities’ first line of defense. However, the law must be applied equally, regardless of position, power, or branch of government. Public servants should never exploit the public’s trust for personal gain. Our Statewide Prosecutors will hold Sheriff Lopez, his associates, and all lawbreakers accountable.”
Following the arrest, Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order suspending Lopez from office and appointed Christopher A. Blackmon, a veteran of the Florida Highway Patrol, as Interim Osceola County Sheriff.
Osceola County Manager Don Fisher addressed the situation in a statement Thursday:
“The Sheriff is a separate constitutional officer, apart from the County or the County Commission, and it’s important to note that the County had no role in this investigation. 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.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
