Suspended Osceola Sheriff Lopez Faces Racketeering Over $21M Illegal Gambling Empire

Marcos Lopez, the suspended Osceola County Sheriff, is implicated in a multi-million dollar illegal gambling operation spanning several Central Florida counties, as revealed in a 255-page affidavit from the Office of Statewide Prosecution. The investigation alleges Lopez joined the gambling enterprise before his election in 2020, seeking campaign contributions and personal payments in exchange for using his sheriff position to shield the operation, which generated about $21.6 million, from law enforcement scrutiny. Lopez played a key role in expanding and protecting the illegal gambling network, including recruiting members, securing leases for venues like the Eclipse Social Club, and collecting cash proceeds. He was arrested in June on charges of racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering, alongside co-defendants including his estranged wife, Robin Severance-Lopez. After three weeks in jail, Lopez posted bond and was released, declining to comment publicly upon release. The case highlights a significant public corruption and organized crime scheme involving multiple defendants operating throughout Osceola and Lake counties.