Osceola County Sheriff Marcos R. Lopez was charged on June 5, 2025, for his involvement in a $21 million illegal gambling operation.

He faces first-degree felony charges of racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering, and has been taken to the Lake County Jail without bond.

Lopez's arraignment is scheduled for June 30, 2025, although it remains unclear if he has legal representation.

Since his election in 2020, Lopez has faced ongoing criticism, including two federal lawsuits alleging a culture of excessive force within his department.

Osceola County Manager Don Fisher expressed support for Interim Sheriff Blackmon and the sheriff's department during this transitional period.

Homeland Security Investigations reiterated that public officials are not above the law, highlighting that corruption erodes public trust.

Authorities allege that Lopez accepted campaign contributions and personal payments while protecting the gambling operation, as stated by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.

In response to the charges, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed an executive order suspending Lopez from his position and appointed Christopher Blackmon as the interim sheriff.

The investigation, which began in 2023 and was led by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, revealed an operation that allegedly generated over $21.6 million.

Uthmeier emphasized the need for integrity in law enforcement, asserting that public servants should not exploit public trust, and further arrests related to the investigation are anticipated.

Lopez is facing charges along with four associates, including Ying Zhang and Sharon Fedrick, with prosecution managed by the Office of Statewide Prosecution.

Lopez's involvement in the illegal activities reportedly dates back to October 2019, coinciding with his first campaign announcement in May 2019.