Florida sheriff arrested for allegedly operating illegal gambling business

Former Florida Sheriff Charged in Illegal Gambling Case

Marcos Lopez, the ex-sheriff of Osceola County, Florida, has been arrested on racketeering and conspiracy charges linked to an illegal gambling operation that allegedly generated over $21.6 million. Prosecutors claim Lopez pocketed $700,000 and misused campaign funds to sustain the operation, which included slot machines and a gambling house at the Fusion Social Club in Kissimmee. Following his arrest, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suspended Lopez, who pleaded not guilty and remains in custody with a $1 million bond, alongside four others facing similar charges.