Florida sheriff charged with racketeering in illicit $21.6 million criminal gambling enterprise

A Florida sheriff was taken into custody on Thursday over his alleged role in an illicit $21.6 million gambling operation, authorities said. Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez has been booked into the Lake County Jail on first-degree felony racketeering and conspiracy charges. He was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) following an extensive probe into the criminal enterprise operating out of central Florida.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said in a press release that Lopez allegedly engaged in the operation for campaign contributions and personal payments, where he played "a multifaceted role in expanding and protecting this illegal enterprise" by "using his office to shield the enterprise from law enforcement."

The illicit gambling operation was first uncovered in 2023 following a joint investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The organization, which ran its enterprise throughout central Florida, particularly in Lake and Osceola Counties, generated "more than $21.6 million in illicit proceeds," according to the press release.

"Today's arrest underscores HSI's commitment to holding everyone, including public officials, accountable. No one, regardless of their position, is above the law," said Homeland Security Investigations Tampa Special Agent in Charge John Condon. "Corruption undermines the integrity of public trust, HSI along with our partners are committed to combatting it."

Attorney General Uthmeir added, "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 government. Public servants should never exploit the public's trust for personal gain."

Racketeering is a coordinated scheme involving organized crime that includes individuals engaging in a pattern of unlawful activities for profit, generating revenue through extortion, fraud, or bribery.

Republican Governor Ron DeSantis suspended Lopez from his role on Thursday via executive order and appointed a Florida Highway Patrol official to serve in Lopez's place, the AP reported.