{"id":2443863,"date":"2025-06-06T11:31:02","date_gmt":"2025-06-06T15:31:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/florida-sheriff-arrested-as-part-of-massive-illegal-gambling-operation\/"},"modified":"2025-06-06T11:32:58","modified_gmt":"2025-06-06T15:32:58","slug":"florida-sheriff-arrested-as-part-of-massive-illegal-gambling-operation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/florida-sheriff-arrested-as-part-of-massive-illegal-gambling-operation\/","title":{"rendered":"Florida sheriff arrested as part of massive illegal gambling operation"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">20<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fflorida-sheriff-arrested-as-part-of-massive-illegal-gambling-operation%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2443863&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez has been arrested and charged with racketeering in connection with an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/florida-sheriff-charged-in-public-corruption-illegal-gambling-scheme-washington-examiner\/\" title=\"Florida ... ... in public corruption, illegal gambling scheme - Washington Examiner\">illegal gambling operation<\/a> that reportedly generated over $21 million in profits. Following his arrest, florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order suspending Lopez from his position. The inquiry,which was a joint effort by federal and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/republican-canvassers-rescind-their-votes-to-certify-wayne-county-michigan-results\/\" title=\"Republican Canvassers Rescind Their Votes to Certify Wayne County, Michigan, Results\">state authorities<\/a>,revealed that Lopez allegedly advanced the interests of the gambling enterprise and collected illicit profits post-election in 2020. Lopez, along with four associates, managed this operation from a business called Eclipse Social Club in Kissimmee. The Florida Attorney general emphasized the importance of accountability among public servants, stating that they must uphold the law without exploiting their positions for personal gain.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Florida sheriff arrested as key suspect in <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >massive illegal gambling operation<\/a><\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2129111\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/florida\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Florida<\/a> authorities charged Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez with racketeering after he was arrested in connection with a sprawling criminal <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/gambling\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">gambling <\/a>operation in the Sunshine State.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) issued an<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flgov.com\/eog\/news\/press\/2025\/note-press-executive-order-number-25-121\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\"> executive order<\/a> suspending Lopez from his position on Thursday after the sheriff was accused of being involved in a massive illegal gambling operation and public corruption scheme that generated over $21 million in profits.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/crime\/3431729\/agroterrorism-fungus-smuggled-into-us-2022-inside-boots\/\">&#8216;Agroterrorism&#8217; fungus was first smuggled into US in 2022 inside Chinese national&#8217;s boots<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/crime\/3431695\/legacy-media-rock-bottom-basement-boulder-coverage-joe-concha\/\">Legacy media&#8217;s &#8216;rock bottom has a basement&#8217; with Boulder attack coverage: Joe Concha<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/crime\/3431653\/federal-judge-halts-deportation-boulder-attack-suspect-family-soliman\/\">Federal judge halts deportation of Boulder firebombing attack suspect&#8217;s family<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>&ldquo;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 communities&rsquo; first line of defense,&rdquo;&nbsp;Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier <a href=\"https:\/\/www.myfloridalegal.com\/newsrelease\/attorney-general-james-uthmeier-charges-osceola-sheriff-massive-central-florida-illegal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">said<\/a>. &ldquo;However, the law must be applied equally, regardless of position, power, or branch of government.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Public servants should never exploit the public&rsquo;s trust for personal gain. Our Statewide Prosecutors will hold Sheriff Lopez, his associates, and all lawbreakers accountable,&rdquo; the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/ex-ag-barr-says-jan-6-committee-not-an-optical-mechanism-for-getting-at-the-truth\/\" title=\"Ex-AG Barr Says Jan 6 Committee &quot;Not an Optical Mechanism for Getting at the Truth&quot;\">attorney general continued<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Lopez was charged with one count of racketeering and one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering, both first-degree felonies under Florida law.<\/p>\n<p>In a press release Thursday, Uthmeier said a joint federal and state investigation uncovered the criminal gambling scheme operating in central Florida two years ago.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/mi-lawmakers-just-made-it-easier-to-commit-election-fraud\/\" title=\"MI ...makers Simplify Process for Election Fraud\">attorney general&#038;rsquo<\/a>;s office said the organization generated more than $21.6 million in illicit proceeds. The state accused Lopez of &ldquo;advancing the interests&rdquo; of the illegal gambling enterprise and collecting profits in reward for his involvement after he was elected sheriff in 2020. Lopez unlawfully engaged in the operation for campaign contributions and personal payments, according to the Florida attorney general, using the sheriff&rsquo;s office &ldquo;to shield the enterprise from law enforcement.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>The Department of Homeland Security, which was involved in the investigation, posted a video of Lopez&rsquo;s arrest to social media.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Osceola County, FL Sheriff Marcos Lopez was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations for his involvement in an illegal gambling operation in central Florida that generated more than $20 million in profits. Lopez is charged with racketeering and conspiracy to commit&hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/zyeyWAm81R\">pic.twitter.com\/zyeyWAm81R<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Homeland Security (@DHSgov) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/DHSgov\/status\/1930712317626659283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 5, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script> <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>&ldquo;What&rsquo;s this about?&rdquo; the embattled sheriff appears to ask in the video as officials slap handcuffs on him.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Lopez and four associates allegedly managed a &ldquo;gambling house&rdquo; out of a business known as Eclipse Social Club, according to the charging documents. The business started in 2024, the year the sheriff won reelection, according to the documents. It was located in Kissimmee, which lies in Osceola County.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/energy-and-environment\/3417697\/company-pulls-land-deal-susie-wiles-florida-wildlife-preserve\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">PRIVATE COMPANY PULLS LAND DEAL INVOLVING FLORIDA WILDLIFE PRESERVE AFTER OUTRAGE FROM TRUMP CHIEF OF STAFF<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Lopez had been with the Osceola County Sheriff&rsquo;s Office since 2003. He is now being held at the Lake County Jail.<\/p>\n<p>Christopher Blackmon, the central region chief for the Florida Highway Patrol, has been installed as Osceola County&rsquo;s new sheriff.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_2129111\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"2129111\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Florida sheriff arrested for involvement in illegal gambling operation<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3142,"featured_media":2443864,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/marcos-lopez.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[4376,5113,5936],"class_list":["post-2443863","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-arrested","tag-florida","tag-sheriff"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/marcos-lopez.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2443863","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3142"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2443863"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2443863\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2443872,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2443863\/revisions\/2443872"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2443864"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2443863"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2443863"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2443863"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}