Marcos López, sheriff of Osceola County, was arrested this Thursday, June 5, 2025, on serious charges of organized crime and conspiracy to commit organized crime, as part of a state investigation into an illegal gambling network in Central Florida.
According to Florida's Attorney General, James Uthmeier, the sheriff is accused of being involved in "a massive illegal gambling operation in Central Florida and a public corruption scheme."
In an official statement, Uthmeier specified that Marcos López "played a multifaceted role in the expansion and protection of this illegal business, using his position to shield it from law enforcement."
The document also highlights that the sheriff initially became involved in this network to obtain "campaign contributions and personal payments," and that his involvement continued after taking office.
“This is a sad day for Florida and our law enforcement community. We place great trust in our constitutional officials, especially those who are the first line of defense for our communities. However, the law must be applied equally, regardless of position, power, or branch of government. Public officials must never exploit public trust for personal gain,” stated Uthmeier.
A large-scale operation in Central Florida
The illegal betting network that López allegedly generated over $21.6 million in illicit profits, operating across multiple counties, particularly in Osceola and Lake.
The arrest was carried out by agents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) office, as a result of an investigation that began in 2023.
“This case revealed that López breached the trust and integrity expected of him as the duly elected sheriff of Osceola County,” stated FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass in an official statement quoted by Univision.
The profile of Marcos López
Marcos López, of Puerto Rican descent, took office in January 2021 after being elected in November 2020, becoming the first Hispanic to hold that position in Osceola County and in the state of Florida.
In 2024, he was re-elected for a second term.
However, according to the Puerto Rican outlet Primera Hora, López had already been under scrutiny for his leadership style, facing lawsuits for excessive use of force, including one related to the death of the young Jayden Báez in 2022 during a police intervention.
Immediate suspension and new appointment
In immediate response to the scandal, Governor Ron DeSantis signed an executive order suspending López from his duties and appointed the regional chief of the Florida Highway Patrol, Christopher A. Blackmon, as the new interim sheriff.
Blackmon, with over 35 years of experience in security forces, has led operations in all 67 counties of the state and has been at the helm of more than 850 agents.
He holds a degree in National Security from the University of Vincennes and has been involved in community work and volunteer activities, as detailed by Telemundo.
A shaken community
Osceola County, located south of Orlando and home to high-profile tourist areas such as Walt Disney World, has been shocked by the news.
The involvement of their chief of police in an organized crime scheme raises concerns about potential structural failures in institutional oversight.
The sheriff's office has yet to issue a statement regarding the arrest. Local media emphasize that more arrest warrants may be announced in the coming days.
The investigation is ongoing, and if López is found guilty, he would face severe penalties for first-degree felony offenses.
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