Florida sheriff Marcos Lopez arrested after casino raids expose illegal gambling operation

Former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez is still in jail following his arrest last Wednesday (June 4). He’s facing racketeering charges tied to an alleged illegal gambling operation.

News 6 reports that Osceola County deputies actually raided the suspected casino months before Lopez was taken into custody.

According to newly released documents, there were numerous police calls to the location believed to be part of the illegal gambling ring that Lopez was supposedly connected to.

Despite dozens of calls made over the years, the place was never shut down.

What happened to Florida Sheriff Marcos Lopez?

This TikTok videos takes us inside the location where state prosecutors say suspended Osceola Co. Sheriff Marcos Lopez and his co-defendants operated an illegal casino in Kissimmee. It shows multiple slot machines inside Eclipse Social Club. https://t.co/SEDfinPQwT @WESH pic.twitter.com/CFDaINKBEZ

— Justin Schecker (@justin_schecker) June 6, 2025

The Florida sheriff was taken away in handcuffs after being accused of using his position to protect a massive illegal gambling operation that prosecutors say raked in over $21.6 million in dirty money.

The scandal came to light last week when Homeland Security Investigations agents, along with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, arrested Marcos Lopez.

In a video shared by HSI Tampa, agents are seen approaching Lopez. He asks, “What is this about?” just before they handcuff him and take him into custody.

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.
 
However, the law must be applied equally, regardless of position, power, or branch of… pic.twitter.com/xXfkvl9v1k

— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) June 5, 2025

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the charges in a sharply worded statement: “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. Public servants should never exploit the public’s trust for personal gain.”

Homeland Security Investigations Tampa Special Agent in Charge John Condon added: “Corruption undermines the integrity of public trust, HSI along with our partners are committed to combatting it.”

Osceola County, FL Sheriff Marcos Lopez was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations for his involvement in an illegal gambling operation in central Florida that generated more than $20 million in profits. Lopez is charged with racketeering and conspiracy to commit… pic.twitter.com/zyeyWAm81R

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) June 5, 2025

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Commissioner Mark Glass stated: “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.”

What is Marcos Lopez accused of?

Lopez is facing charges of racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering. According to the charge sheet, he isn’t the only one in the spotlight. Ying Zhang, Sharon Federick, Sheldon Wetherholt, and Carol Cote are also accused of taking part, whether directly or indirectly, in the illegal operation through an ongoing pattern of racketeering activity.

Former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez was arrested on racketeering charges following a series of raids tied to an illegal gambling ring. Credit: Lake County Florida Sheriff’s Office

Attorney Mark NeJame, a longtime critic of Lopez, posted a scathing statement on Facebook following the news: “We have been a major critic of suspended Osceola County Sheriff Lopez for several years now.

“We have accused him and some in his office of a variety of questionable activities and misdeeds and have filed suit against him and others for some of these.

“It’s terrible when any public official is accused of crimes and compromising the very people and laws they are sworn to protect. Sadly, I cannot state that I’m surprised with this recent allegation.”

In a quick move following the arrest, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Florida Highway Patrol Central Region Chief Christopher Blackmon as interim sheriff. Blackmon brings 35 years of law enforcement experience to the role.

Osceola County also released a statement from County Manager Don Fisher, saying: “The Sheriff is a separate constitutional officer, apart from the County or the County Commission, and it’s important to note that the County had no role in this investigation.

“However, the County and our Commission stand ready at the helm to support Interim Sheriff Christopher Blackmon and the courageous men and women of the Osceola Sheriff’s Department however we can during this period, as appropriate.”

Featured image: Homeland Security

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