Florida sheriff arrested for allegedly operating illegal gambling business
Former Florida sheriff Marcos Lopez has found himself in hot water after being charged with racketeering and conspiracy following an investigation into an illegal gambling operation. The ex-Osceola County Sheriff was arrested on Thursday on first-degree felony charges for allegedly pocketing hundreds of thousands of dollars and using campaign contributions to sustain the illicit gambling enterprise.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass expressed disappointment in Lopez’s actions, stating, “As law enforcement officers, we are held to higher standards of integrity and character than other professions. This case has revealed that Lopez violated the trust and integrity expected of him as the duly elected sheriff of Osceola County.”
Lopez’s arrest has prompted Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to suspend him from his duties, appointing Christopher Blackmon, a Florida Highway Patrol officer, as the interim sheriff. Lopez, who was elected in November 2020, pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted a $1 million bond.
Prosecutors allege that Lopez raked in up to $700,000 from operating the illegal business, which included slot machines, a lottery, and a “gambling house” housed in the Fusion Social Club in Kissimmee. Despite his plea, Lopez remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on June 30.
In addition to Lopez, four others – Ying Zhang, Sharon Fedrick, Sheldon Wetherholt, and Carol Cote – are facing the same charges of racketeering and conspiracy in connection to the illegal gambling operation that reportedly generated over $21.6 million over the years.
The investigation has not implicated Osceola County in any wrongdoing. The case continues to unfold as authorities work to uncover the extent of the operation and bring all involved parties to justice.
With the Associated Press contributing to this report, the shocking developments surrounding Lopez serve as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding integrity and honesty in positions of authority. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
