Osceola Sheriff Charged in $21.6M Florida Gambling and Corruption Scheme

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has charged Osceola County Sheriff Marcos R. Lopez in connection with a massive illegal gambling and public corruption scheme operating throughout Central Florida. The operation, uncovered by a joint investigation between Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), reportedly generated more than $21.6 million in illicit proceeds.

Sheriff Lopez is accused of advancing the interests of the criminal gambling enterprise following his election in November 2020. According to the charging document, Lopez accepted campaign contributions and personal payments, then used his authority to shield the illegal operation from law enforcement interference.

The statewide charges include racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering. Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Colleen Monroe and Panagiota Papakos will lead the case in Florida’s Fifth Judicial Circuit. Additional arrests are expected in the coming days.

Federal and State Reaction

HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge John Condon emphasized that “no one, regardless of their position, is above the law.” He highlighted the damage public corruption inflicts on the trust between citizens and institutions.

FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said Sheriff Lopez failed to uphold the ethical standards expected of law enforcement officials. “Lopez violated the trust and integrity expected of him as the duly elected sheriff of Osceola County,” he stated, adding that law enforcement must meet the highest standards of integrity and character.

Details of the Illegal Operation

The investigation, launched in 2023, focused on a criminal organization running a large-scale gambling network across Lake and Osceola Counties. The enterprise allegedly distributed and profited from unlicensed slot machines and illegal betting systems while making payouts to public officials to ensure legal protection and operational immunity.

Following his election, Lopez is said to have received a cut of the proceeds from these gambling operations while using his official capacity to obstruct potential law enforcement actions.

Executive Response

In response to the arrest, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed an executive order regarding Sheriff Lopez. The full text of Executive Order 25-121 can be accessed here.

Ongoing Investigation

The Office of Statewide Prosecution and FDLE confirmed that the investigation remains active, and further legal actions are anticipated. Authorities are working to dismantle the entire network and bring all co-conspirators to justice.

To read the official charging document, click the link provided.