DeSantis suspends Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez, accused in gambling operation
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos R. Lopez from office Thursday, citing felony charges of racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering filed by Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.
The executive order, effective immediately, states that Lopez’s actions constitute the “commission of a felony” under the Florida Constitution.
Uthmeier’s office announced that Lopez is accused of playing a “multifaceted role” in expanding and protecting a “massive Central Florida gambling operation,” using his position to shield the illegal enterprise from law enforcement.
“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,” Uthmeier said in a post on X.
“As law enforcement, we are held to higher standards of integrity and character than other professions,” Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass said. “This case revealed that Lopez violated the trust and integrity expected of him as the duly elected sheriff of Osceola County.”
“Florida’s sheriffs are leaders for not only their office and deputies, but for their community and the citizens that elected them,” Glass said. “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.”
According to the attorney general’s office, a multi-agency investigation initiated in 2023 by Homeland Security Investigations and joined by FDLE uncovered a criminal organization operating an illegal gambling enterprise across Central Florida, particularly in Lake and Osceola Counties.
This operation reportedly generated over $21.6 million in illicit proceeds.
The investigation alleges that after his election as Osceola County Sheriff in November 2020, Lopez “continued to advance the interests of the criminal organization and collected a portion of the illegal gambling proceeds for his involvement.”
Arrest warrants for other individuals involved in the operation are expected to be served in the coming days.
Lopez, who was reelected by Osceola County voters in 2024 for a four-year term, faces one count of racketeering, a first-degree felony, and one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering, also a first-degree felony.
DeSantis’s executive order specifies that Lopez is prohibited from performing any official duties, receiving pay, or enjoying any emoluments of public office during the suspension. The order also directs FDLE to assist in the immediate transition from Lopez’s office and to ensure no files or records are removed.
In response to the suspension, DeSantis has appointed Christopher A. Blackmon as sheriff of Osceola County, effective immediately and for the duration of Lopez’s suspension.
Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Colleen Monroe and Panagiota Papakos will prosecute the defendants in Florida’s Fifth Judicial Circuit. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be announced later.
Uthmeier Charges Central Florida Sheriff in Illegal Gambling Operation
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced charges Thursday against a member of law enforcement, Osceola County Sheriff Marcos R. Lopez, for his role in an illegal gambling operation and public corruption scheme in Central Florida.
"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," Uthmeier said in a release.
"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," Uthmeier continued.
According to the release, Lopez participated in the operation for campaign contributions and personal payments. It also noted the sheriff played a "multifaceted" role in the ring, all while using his job title to hide the enterprise from law enforcement.
An investigation into the operation began in Lake and Osceola Counties in 2023, led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). They were also joined by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Under their investigation, the organization produced more than $21.6 million in illicit proceeds. For his involvement, Lopez allegedly advanced the enterprise's interests and collected a portion of the illegal gambling proceeds following his election as sheriff in 2020.
He is charged with racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering. Uthmeier said charges and warrants would be forthcoming for others involved.
"Today's arrest underscores HSI's commitment to holding everyone, including public officials, accountable. No one, regardless of their position, is above the law," HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge John Condon said. "Corruption undermines the integrity of public trust, HSI along with our partners are committed to combating it."
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