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Attorney General Uthmeier Charges Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez in $21M Central Florida Gambling Ring

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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.

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Crimes and Courts

Attorney General Uthmeier: Central Florida Woman Charged in Child Sexual Abuse Material Case

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the Office of Statewide Prosecution has charged a Central Florida woman with multiple felony offenses involving the sexual abuse of a child and the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Taylor Michelle Dorsey, 33, of Ocoee, faces eight felony counts, including sexual abuse of a child over the age of 12 and several charges related to the production, possession, and promotion of CSAM.

“The details in this case are gut-wrenching, and there is zero place for this kind of vile behavior in Florida,” said Attorney General Uthmeier. “I am confident in our statewide prosecutors’ ability to fight for the maximum penalty that fits these heinous crimes against children.”

Investigation and Arrest

The investigation was conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) following a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tip originated from Yahoo, which reported that Dorsey had uploaded multiple files containing child sexual abuse material.

According to investigators, Dorsey sexually abused the victim, produced the illegal material, and actively shared it with an inmate in federal prison who is serving time for sexual abuse of a child and possession of child pornography.

On Dec. 10, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Dorsey’s residence, where she was arrested without incident.

Charges Filed

Dorsey is charged with the following offenses:

  • Promote Sexual Performance of a Child

  • Lewd and Lascivious Molestation

  • Child Abuse

  • Child Neglect

  • Possession of Child Pornography (four counts)

She is currently being held in the Orange County Jail without bond.

Prosecution and Ongoing Case

The case will be prosecuted in the Ninth Judicial Circuit by Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Lauryn Day. Officials stated the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed as evidence continues to be reviewed.

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Crimes and Courts

Attorney Ben Crump Announces Settlement Between Universal and Family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala and Universal have reached a confidential resolution, according to a statement released by nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump.

Crump, speaking on behalf of the Rodriguez Zavala family, confirmed that the matter has been resolved amicably. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“The family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala and Universal have reached an amicable resolution in this matter. The terms are confidential,” Crump said. “The family is grateful for the community’s support and asks for privacy at this time.”

No further details were provided.

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Crimes and Courts

Ex-FBI Employee Claims Dismissal for LGBTQ+ Flag Violated Constitutional Rights

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WASHINGTON (FNN) — A longtime FBI employee who was nearing completion of special agent training was dismissed last month for displaying a Pride flag at his workspace, according to a federal lawsuit filed Wednesday.

David Maltinsky, who worked for the FBI for 16 years, had completed 16 of 19 weeks of agent training at Quantico when he said he was handed a termination letter from FBI Director Kash Patel and told he was being dismissed for the “inappropriate display of political signage.” The suit asserts that the flag, previously flown outside the Los Angeles field office during Pride Month in 2021, was displayed inside with prior approval from supervisors.

Background and Training Dismissal

Maltinsky previously served as an intelligence specialist in the Los Angeles field office and was pursuing a long-held goal of becoming a special agent. The Progress Pride flag — which includes rainbow stripes and additional colors to represent LGBTQ+ individuals and communities of color — had been gifted to him after being taken down from its official display at the field office.

The lawsuit states that Maltinsky was a supporter of diversity efforts within the bureau. These efforts were halted under a January executive order from President Donald Trump that eliminated federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Legal Claims and Government Response

The suit names Patel, the FBI, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and the Justice Department as defendants. It seeks Maltinsky’s reinstatement, a declaration that his dismissal violated First Amendment rights to free speech and Fifth Amendment guarantees of equal protection.

The FBI and Justice Department declined to comment on pending litigation.

Maltinsky’s attorney, Christopher M. Mattei, called the firing unconstitutional, saying, “This case is about far more than one man’s career — it’s about whether the government can punish Americans simply for saying who they are.”

Broader Personnel Disputes at the Bureau

The filing comes amid other lawsuits brought by FBI officials alleging improper personnel actions taken in President Trump’s second term. In September, three former senior FBI officials claimed they were dismissed as part of a “campaign of retribution” allegedly driven by political pressure.

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