Osceola County Sheriff Arrested in Connection with Multi-Million Dollar Gambling Ring

June 6th, 2025 12:44 PM Update:

Suspended Osceola County Sheriff Granted $1M Bond in Illegal Gambling Case

Suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez has been granted a $1 million bond after being charged in connection with an illegal gambling enterprise. As part of his release conditions, Lopez must wear a GPS monitor, surrender all firearms and his passport. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 30.

Lopez faces two first-degree felony charges: racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering. According to state prosecutors, the illegal operation began in August 2019, while Lopez was still a deputy, and continued through his tenure as sheriff. He is accused of using his official position to shield the gambling ring from law enforcement and for personal benefit.

The Florida Attorney General’s Office reports the enterprise generated more than $21.6 million in illegal profits. Legal experts note racketeering typically involves organized criminal activity conducted for financial gain.

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News Brief

Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez arrested on felony charges related to a massive illegal gambling operation.

Accused of racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering, using his office to protect the enterprise.

The illegal gambling ring generated over $21.6 million in illicit proceeds.

Governor Ron DeSantis has suspended Lopez and appointed Christopher Blackmon as the new Sheriff.

Investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is ongoing.

Osceola County Sheriff Arrested in Connection with Multi-Million Dollar Gambling Ring

Staff Reporter | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)

Published June 5th, 2025

Update: Arrest video added to the story courtesy of Homeland Security Investigations.

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In a shocking development for Central Florida's law enforcement community, Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez has been arrested and charged in connection with a sprawling illegal gambling operation that allegedly generated over $21.6 million in illicit proceeds. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the charges today, revealing that Lopez faces one count of racketeering and one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering, both first-degree felonies.

According to a press release from Attorney General Uthmeier's Office of Statewide Prosecution, Sheriff Lopez initially engaged with the criminal organization for campaign contributions and personal payments. He is accused of playing a multifaceted role in expanding and protecting this illegal enterprise, specifically using his official position to shield the operation from law enforcement.

Following the arrest, Governor Ron DeSantis swiftly suspended Sheriff Lopez from office, appointing Christopher Blackmon as the new Sheriff for Osceola County.

"This is a solemn day for Florida and our law enforcement community. We put great trust in our constitutional officers, especially those who are our communities' first line of defense," stated Attorney General Uthmeier. "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."

Video Courtesy of HSI (Homeland Security Investigations)

The charges are the result of a multi-agency investigation that began in 2023, spearheaded by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and joined by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This collaborative effort uncovered a criminal organization operating an illegal gambling enterprise throughout Central Florida, with a particular focus on Lake and Osceola Counties.

"Today's arrest underscores HSI's commitment to holding everyone, including public officials, accountable. No one, regardless of their position, is above the law," said Homeland Security Investigations Tampa Special Agent in Charge John Condon. "Corruption undermines the integrity of public trust, HSI along with our partners are committed to combatting it."

FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the high standards expected of law enforcement.

“As law enforcement, we are held to higher standards of integrity and character than other professions. This case revealed that Lopez violated the trust and integrity expected of him as the duly elected sheriff of Osceola County,” Glass stated. “Florida’s sheriffs are leaders for not only their office and deputies, but for their community and the citizens that elected them. I want to thank our agents and analysts who worked diligently on this case with HSI and the Office of Statewide Prosecution to make sure that law enforcement officers are held to the standards expected of them.”

Investigators allege that after his election as Osceola County Sheriff in November 2020, Lopez continued to advance the interests of the criminal organization, receiving a portion of the illegal gambling proceeds for his involvement. Lopez began his career with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office in 2003.

Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Colleen Monroe and Panagiota Papakos will prosecute the defendants in Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit. The investigation remains active, and authorities anticipate additional individuals will be served with arrest warrants in the coming days, with other charges potentially being announced at a later date.

Stay tuned to iSkyNews.com for the latest developments.

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