Former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez was arrested on June 5, 2025, on charges of racketeering and conspiracy related to a large-scale illegal gambling operation in central Florida. The operation, based at the Fusion Social Club in Kissimmee, reportedly generated over $21.6 million in illicit revenue through activities such as lottery games, slot machines, and a gambling house. Lopez is accused of accepting campaign contributions and personal payments while providing protection to the gambling business .
In response to the arrest, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order suspending Lopez from his duties as sheriff and appointed a Florida Highway Patrol official as interim sheriff. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement criticized Lopez for breaching public trust and the ethical standards expected of law enforcement officials .
Lopez had previously faced controversy in December 2024 when he pleaded no contest to violating state records laws after accidentally posting a graphic image of a deceased 13-year-old girl on Instagram during a murder investigation. He paid a $250 fine for the incident, though he faced no criminal charges at the time .
The current investigation, led by state authorities, revealed that Lopez had been involved in the gambling operation since his election in 2020. The operation included four other defendants and was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement .
As of now, there is no information indicating that former President Donald Trump has issued any orders or statements regarding the release of Marcos Lopez.
