TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Gov. Ron DeSantis has suspended a central Florida sheriff from his office after being arrested Thursday morning.
In an executive order, the governor wrote that Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez was charged with a conspiracy to assault and conspiracy.
“Marcos R. Lopez is prohibited from performing the official law, duties, or functions of public office, from receiving wages or allowances to either the right or privilege of public servants or the right or privilege of public office during this suspension period, from what time until further execution order is issued, or as provided by law.
Florida Attorney General James Usmieyer said the charges stem from Lopez’s involvement in “a massive Florida gambling business.”
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The Attorney General’s Office initially engaged in operations to help Lopez make campaign contributions and get personal payments, but he later used the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office to protect the gambling business from law enforcement.
Prosecutors said after the 2020 election, Lopez continued to work with criminal organizations and received some of the benefits for his involvement.
“This is a strict day for Florida and the law enforcement community. We have great faith in our constitutional officers, especially our community’s first line of defense,” Attorney General James Usmier said. “However, regardless of government position, power, or branch, the law must be applied equally. Public officials must not misuse the trust of the public for their personal interests. Prosecutors across the state hold Sheriff Lopez, his associates, and all law violations.”
According to Uthmeier, the Homeland Security Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and other agencies discovered a gambling operation based in Lake and Osceola County in 2023.
Prosecutors said the organization has made more than $21.6 million in illegal revenue.
“As law enforcement, we are bound by a standard of higher standards and character than any other profession. This case revealed that Lopez violated the trust and integrity expected of him as a formally elected sheriff of Osceola County.” “The Florida Sheriff is the leader of their community and the citizens who elected them, not just their offices and deputies. I would like to thank the agents and analysts who worked diligently for the HSI and the prosecutor’s offices throughout the state.
Other arrests are expected in the coming days, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
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