Florida’s Osceola County sheriff has been arrested in connection with a sprawling corruption case tied to an illegal gambling network that generated tens of millions in unlawful proceeds.
Osceola County Sheriff arrested Thursday
Marcos Lopez, the sheriff of Osceola County, was taken into custody on Thursday and now faces serious felony charges including racketeering and conspiracy.
Court records show Lopez was arrested without bond and transported to the Lake County Jail.
Lopez, a veteran of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office since 2003, rose through the ranks and was first elected sheriff in 2020 before securing re-election in 2024.
But Florida authorities say behind the badge, Lopez was aiding and protecting a multi-million-dollar criminal enterprise.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier alleged that Lopez accepted both campaign donations and personal payments from individuals connected to the gambling ring.
In turn, investigators believe he used his official capacity to provide protection and advance the interests of the illegal operation.
“Public servants should never exploit the public’s trust for personal gain,” Uthmeier said in a scathing statement.
The investigation, which began in 2023, uncovered what state prosecutors view as a hotbed of corruption.
Osceola County Sheriff tied to massive illegal gambling ring
The gambling operation is believed to have run unauthorized lotteries and slot machines across Lake and Osceola Counties, collecting over $21.6 million in illegal revenue.
Officials involved in the investigation revealed that Lopez’s involvement deepened after he officially took office in 2021, with prosecutors accusing him of actively supporting the illicit network’s expansion.
The case broke open publicly on Wednesday morning when federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), along with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), conducted the arrest.
A video posted by HSI Tampa captured the moment agents approached Lopez, who appeared confused, asking, “What is this about?” before being placed in handcuffs.
BREAKING! Osceola County Sheriff Marcos R. Lopez was arrested by @HSITampa following an investigation into a criminal organization operating an illegal gambling enterprise throughout Central Florida, particularly in Lake and Osceola Counties, which generated $21.6+ million in… pic.twitter.com/hVazzAo5Ba
— HSI Tampa (@HSITampa) June 5, 2025
John Condon, Special Agent in Charge at HSI Tampa, said, “Today’s arrest underscores HSI’s commitment to holding everyone, including public officials, accountable. No one, regardless of their position, is above the law.”
Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin reiterated this point, stating, “Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, no one is above the law – including public officials.”
The scandal has sent shock-waves through the state, prompting quick action from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Before noon on Thursday, DeSantis issued an executive order officially suspending Lopez from his role as sheriff.
To fill the vacancy, DeSantis appointed Florida Highway Patrol Central Region Chief Christopher Blackmon as interim sheriff. Blackmon brings with him 35 years of experience in law enforcement.
Lopez shamed by Florida law enforcement officials
Meanwhile, the fallout from Lopez’s arrest continues to grow. Fellow sheriffs have openly criticized his conduct. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd did not hold back in his assessment.
“He has embarrassed himself, his family, and the great men and women who work at the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office,” Judd stated. “His conduct is outrageous, unprofessional, and obviously corrupt.”
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood echoed similar sentiments, saying, “The allegations, if true, are extremely serious and disturbing, and undermine the honor and integrity of every law enforcement officer who wears the badge.”
Lopez, now awaiting a court date scheduled for June 30, could potentially face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted on all charges.
Prosecutors indicated that the investigation is ongoing and suggested that additional arrests may follow as authorities continue to expose the full extent of the gambling network’s influence.
“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,” FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass commented.
“Florida’s sheriffs are leaders for not only their office and deputies, but for their community and the citizens that elected them,” he added. “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.”
