Florida authorities charged Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez with racketeering after he was arrested in connection with a sprawling criminal gambling operation in the Sunshine State.
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) issued an executive order suspending Lopez from his position on Thursday after the sheriff was accused of being involved in a massive illegal gambling operation and public corruption scheme that generated over $21 million in profits.
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“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,” Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said. “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,” the attorney general continued.
Lopez was charged with one count of racketeering and one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering, both first-degree felonies under Florida law.
In a press release Thursday, Uthmeier said a joint federal and state investigation uncovered the criminal gambling scheme operating in central Florida two years ago.
The attorney general’s office said the organization generated more than $21.6 million in illicit proceeds. The state accused Lopez of “advancing the interests” of the illegal gambling enterprise and collecting profits in reward for his involvement after he was elected sheriff in 2020. Lopez unlawfully engaged in the operation for campaign contributions and personal payments, according to the Florida attorney general, using the sheriff’s office “to shield the enterprise from law enforcement.”
The Department of Homeland Security, which was involved in the investigation, posted a video of Lopez’s arrest to social media.
“What’s this about?” the embattled sheriff appears to ask in the video as officials slap handcuffs on him.
Lopez and four associates allegedly managed a “gambling house” out of a business known as Eclipse Social Club, according to the charging documents. The business started in 2024, the year the sheriff won reelection, according to the documents. It was located in Kissimmee, which lies in Osceola County.
Lopez had been with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office since 2003. He is now being held at the Lake County Jail.
Christopher Blackmon, the central region chief for the Florida Highway Patrol, has been installed as Osceola County’s new sheriff.