ORLANDO, FL (FNN) – “Florida National News was the first media outlet on the scene to capture a major law enforcement operation that unfolded Thursday morning in the Lake Pickett community of East Orange County, drawing the attention and concern of residents.”

Police Activity on Ithaca Way

At appoximately 11:00 a.m., multiple units from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office converged on a home located at 14044 Ithaca Way, Orlando. Deputies dressed in military-style tactical gear and body armor could be seen surrounding the property while issuing commands over a loudspeaker, instructing the occupants to exit the home.

An Orange County Fire Department unit was staged nearby as a precaution.

Drone Deployment and Suspect Detention

In a display of advanced law enforcement tactics, an Orange County Sheriff’s drone was deployed over the property, providing aerial surveillance as the situation developed.

Florida National News captured an known female temporarily detained in plastic white handcuffs before being escorted to speak with what appeared to be an undercover deputy nearby. Moments later, the woman was re-handcuffed — this time with standard sheriff-issued cuffs — and placed back into a marked patrol vehicle.

Crime Scene Secured

Authorities sealed off the property with crime scene tape, limiting access while deputies remained stationed at the residence.

At this time, the specific nature of the warrant being served and the details of the investigation have not been officially released by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

“Florida National News contacted the Orange County Sheriff’s Office regarding the large law enforcement presence in the Lake Pickett community. In an email statement, the Sheriff’s Public Information Officer confirmed that deputies were serving a search warrant in the area. No further details were provided.”

Stay Connected for Updates

This is a developing story. Stay connected with Florida National News (FNN) for updates as we receive more information from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

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J Willie David, III
News@FloridaNationalNews.com

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution has formally charged Osceola County Sheriff Marcos R. Lopez and multiple others in connection with a massive Central Florida illegal gambling and public corruption scheme.

Illegal Gambling Operation and Public Corruption Exposed

The investigation revealed a large-scale illegal gambling operation generating more than $21.6 million in illicit proceeds across Central Florida, particularly in Lake and Osceola Counties. Sheriff Lopez, who was first elected in November 2020, was found to have used his elected office to protect and advance the interests of the criminal enterprise in exchange for campaign contributions and personal payments.

According to Attorney General Uthmeier, Lopez played a central, multifaceted role in shielding the gambling operation from law enforcement scrutiny and collecting a portion of its illegal profits.

– Read Florida Attorney General Crminial Case against Sheriff Lopez and Others:

Attorney General, FDLE Commissioner Issue Strong Statements

“This is a solemn day for Florida and our law enforcement community,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “We put great trust in our constitutional officers, especially those who serve as our communities’ first line of defense. The law must be applied equally, regardless of position, power, or title. Public servants should never exploit the public’s trust for personal gain. Our Statewide Prosecutors will hold Sheriff Lopez, his associates, and all lawbreakers accountable.”

FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass added: “As law enforcement, we are held to higher standards of integrity and character than other professions. This case revealed that Lopez violated the trust and integrity expected of him as the duly elected sheriff of Osceola County. Florida’s sheriffs are leaders not only within their offices but throughout their communities. I commend our agents and analysts, HSI, and the Office of Statewide Prosecution for ensuring law enforcement officers are held to the standards expected of them.”

Details of the Investigation

The charges stem from a 2023 multi-agency investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in partnership with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The criminal network was discovered to be operating a series of illegal gambling establishments throughout Central Florida.

After taking office, Lopez allegedly continued working with the criminal organization, using his influence to insulate its operations from legal action while profiting from its activities.

Lopez faces charges of Racketeering and Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering, both first-degree felonies under Florida law.

Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Colleen Monroe and Panagiota Papakos will handle the prosecution in Florida’s Fifth Judicial Circuit.

What’s Next?

The investigation remains active. Additional individuals connected to the operation are expected to be served with arrest warrants in the coming days. Authorities have indicated that further charges may be filed as the case unfolds.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN) — Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez was arrested and taken into custody Thursday morning.

A spokesperson for the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Lopez’s arrest, as did Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinoza. Neither official disclosed details about the nature of the charges at the time of the announcement.

Sheriff Lopez, who began his career with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office in 2003, made history in 2020 as the county’s first elected Hispanic sheriff.

On June 5, 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an Executive Order of Suspension for Marcos R. Lopez. According to the Executive Order, Lopez was formally charged in the Fifth Judicial Circuit with one count of Racketeering, a first-degree felony under section 895.03(3), Florida Statutes, and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering, also a first-degree felony under section 895.03(4), Florida Statutes.

Governor DeSantis immediately appointed Christopher A. Blackmon to serve as Sheriff of Osceola County effective June 5, 2025. Blackmon, a 35-year law enforcement veteran, currently serves as the Central Region Chief for the Florida Highway Patrol, overseeing more than 850 sworn troopers and 95 civilian employees. He also serves as the Florida Highway Patrol’s Statewide Immigration Incident Commander for all 67 counties.

Active in his community, Blackmon has volunteered with the Special Olympics, Clermont Little League, and Make-A-Wish Foundation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in homeland security from Vincennes University.