Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez was arrested and officially suspended from office Thursday after being accused of participating in an organized crime and illegal gambling ring that generated more than $21.6 million in illicit profits, according to information from federal and state authorities.
The executive order removing him was issued shortly before noon by Governor Ron DeSantis, who appointed Florida Highway Patrol Central Region Chief Christopher Blackmon as acting county sheriff.
An Investigation Pointing to Official Corruption
The investigation, initiated in 2023, was led by the Department of Homeland Security (HSI) in coordination with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). According to an official statement from Attorney General James Uthmeier, this is a “massive illegal gambling operation and a public corruption scheme in Central Florida,” particularly in Osceola and Lake counties.
According to authorities, Marcos López allegedly used his public office to protect, facilitate, and conceal a criminal organization dedicated to illegal gambling, receiving campaign contributions and personal payments in return.
“This case revealed that López violated the trust and integrity expected of him as the duly elected Sheriff of Osceola County,” stated FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass.
“Florida sheriffs are leaders, not only within their office, but for their entire community. The standard of integrity must be absolute.”
What is he charged with?
López faces charges of racketeering (unlawful conspiracy or racketeering) and conspiracy to commit racketeering, both felonies under the federal RICO Act (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act). This legislation allows for the prosecution of individuals who are part of or support criminal organizations, even if they do not personally commit all the crimes.
In addition, he is accused of actively collaborating so that the criminal organization could operate with impunity, using his authority to manipulate investigations or prevent arrests.
In Florida, these crimes can carry up to 30 years in prison, heavy fines, loss of civil rights, and immediate suspension from public office.
No Right to a Fiancée
Marcos López remains detained without bail in the Lake County Jail. His arraignment hearing has been scheduled for June 30.
Authorities indicated that more arrest warrants are expected in the coming days, suggesting that others involved in the criminal network could be added.
Official Reactions
Osceola County Administrator Don Fisher stated in a statement that while local officials will not participate in the investigation, the county administration will provide full support to the interim sheriff and department staff.
“The County and the Commission stand ready to support Interim Sheriff Christopher Blackmon and the brave men and women of the Osceola Sheriff’s Department in every way possible during this term,” Fisher said.
Lopez, who has served in the Sheriff’s Office since 2003, was elected sheriff in 2020 and is up for reelection in 2024. His downfall marks one of the most serious public corruption scandals in the county’s recent history.
