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Crimes and Courts

Governor DeSantis Suspends Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez Following Racketeering Arrest

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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.

Central Florida News

State Attorney Monique Worrell Responds to Court’s Denial of Bond for Former Deputy in Fatal Shooting Case

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File - State Attorney Monique Worrell | Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News

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

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Central Florida News

Deputies: Home and SUV Smashed by Heavy Machinery in Apparent Act of Revenge

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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.

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Crimes and Courts

Drone, SWAT-Style Operation Shocks East Orange County Residents During Police Action

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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

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