KISSIMMEE, FL – Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez was arrested and charged in connection with an alleged gambling operation, according to the Florida Attorney General’s office. The charges include one count of racketeering and one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering, both serious felonies. The arrest has sent shockwaves through the community, as Lopez, a high-ranking elected official, now faces significant legal challenges.
The arrest was confirmed by the governor’s office, which announced Lopez’s suspension from his position. Effective June 5, 2025, Christopher Blackmon will be appointed as the new sheriff of Osceola County. This move comes amid a flurry of activity outside the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, where news crews have gathered to cover the unfolding events.
Details from the criminal complaint suggest that Lopez, along with several others, allegedly operated a gambling house on Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee, dating back to 2019. The operation reportedly included slot machines and other gambling activities, as well as a lottery. Additionally, Lopez is accused of money laundering and using his position to disclose confidential information about a criminal investigation.
The allegations have prompted a strong response from the Attorney General’s office, which emphasized the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions. “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 community’s first line of defense,” the statement read. “However, the law must be applied equally, regardless of position, power, and branch of government.”
As the investigation continues, former sheriff’s detective Jamie Copenhaver noted that the charges against Lopez are severe and could lead to additional arrests. Copenhaver highlighted the professionalism of the men and women in the sheriff’s office, assuring that their work would continue despite the leadership upheaval.
The impact of Lopez’s arrest on ongoing cases, such as the high-profile Maddie Soto case, remains uncertain. However, Copenhaver believes that unless Lopez was directly involved in these cases, the legal proceedings should continue unaffected.
Lopez is currently being held at the Lake County Jail, where he awaits further legal action. Law enforcement officers typically have certain protections, such as not having their mugshots published, and are not housed in the same facilities where they may have previously sent detainees.
The case against Lopez and his alleged associates is still developing, with authorities working to uncover the full extent of the operation. As the investigation unfolds, the community and law enforcement officials alike are grappling with the implications of the charges against a figure once entrusted with upholding the law.