Crimes and Courts
Attorney General Uthmeier Charges Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez in $21M Central Florida Gambling Ring
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.
Central Florida News
State Attorney Monique Worrell Responds to Court’s Denial of Bond for Former Deputy in Fatal Shooting Case
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – State Attorney Monique Worrell issued a statement following the court’s decision to deny bond for Anthony Shea, a former deputy charged in connection with a fatal shooting.
Court’s Decision Reflects Seriousness of Charges
“The Court’s decision today to deny bond for Anthony Shea reflects the seriousness of the charges he faces,” Worrell said. Shea remains in custody as legal proceedings move forward in a case that has drawn significant public and law enforcement attention.
Honoring the Victim’s Life and Service
“Beyond the legal proceedings, this case is about honoring the life of a woman who dedicated herself to protecting others,” Worrell added. “This was a tragic loss of life that has deeply impacted the law enforcement community, as well as our circuit.”
Commitment to Justice
Worrell emphasized her office’s ongoing commitment to ensuring justice is served. “We continue to extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the victim during this painful time. Our office remains steadfast in ensuring that her service, her sacrifice, and her memory are met with the justice they deserve.”
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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
CLERMONT, Fla. (FNN) – The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shocking case of property destruction in Clermont, where a suspect reportedly used heavy machinery to demolish part of a home and an SUV—then left behind a profanity-laced message on the side of the house.
Deputies responded to the scene near Pine Island and Montevista Roads around 7 a.m. Friday, where they found a home with multiple large holes in its structure and debris scattered across the property. A nearby SUV had its roof crushed and windows shattered, consistent with damage from heavy equipment, possibly an excavator.
One side of the home featured a message scrawled in large letters, including a person’s name followed by the phrase: “You [expletive] with the wrong girl.”
“It is heartbreaking to see a residence vandalized this way,” said Stephanie Earley, spokesperson for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. “We are actively investigating to identify the individual responsible and bring them to justice.”
Authorities confirmed no injuries occurred and that no machinery was found at the scene upon their arrival. The motive appears personal in nature, but the case remains under active investigation.
Crimes and Courts
Drone, SWAT-Style Operation Shocks East Orange County Residents During Police Action
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
