TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Gov. Ron DeSantis has suspended a central Florida sheriff from his workplace after he was arrested Thursday morning.
In an government order, the governor wrote that Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez was charged with racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering.
“Marcos R. Lopez is hereby prohibited from performing any official act, obligation, or perform of public workplace; from receiving any pay or allowance; from being entitled to any of the emoluments or privileges of public workplace throughout the interval of this suspension, which interval shall be from the efficient date hereof, till an additional government order is issued, or as in any other case offered by regulation,” DeSantis’ order said.
Florida Legal professional Common James Uthmeier mentioned the costs stem from Lopez’s involvement in “a large Central Florida playing operation.”
The Legal professional Common’s Workplace mentioned at first, Lopez engaged within the operation to get marketing campaign contributions and private funds, however he later used the Osceola County Sheriff’s Workplace to guard the playing enterprise from regulation enforcement.
Prosecutors said that after his election in 2020, Lopez continued to work with the legal group and acquired a portion of the income for his involvement.
“This can be a solemn day for Florida and our regulation enforcement group. We put nice belief in our constitutional officers, particularly those that are our communities’ first line of protection.” Legal professional Common James Uthmeier mentioned. “Nonetheless, the regulation have to be utilized equally, no matter place, energy, or department of presidency. Public servants ought to by no means exploit the general public’s belief for private acquire. Our Statewide Prosecutors will maintain Sheriff Lopez, his associates, and all lawbreakers accountable.”
In line with Uthmeier, Homeland Safety Investigations, the Florida Division of Regulation Enforcement, and different businesses found the playing operation, largely primarily based in Lake and Osceola counties, in 2023.
Prosecutors mentioned the group revamped $21.6 million in unlawful earnings.
“As regulation enforcement, we’re held to increased requirements of integrity and character than different professions. This case revealed that Lopez violated the belief and integrity anticipated of him because the duly elected sheriff of Osceola County,” mentioned FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass. “Florida’s sheriffs are leaders for not solely their workplace and deputies, however for his or her group and the residents that elected them. I need to thank our brokers and analysts who labored diligently on this case with HSI and the Workplace of Statewide Prosecution to be sure that regulation enforcement officers are held to the requirements anticipated of them.”
Different arrests are anticipated within the coming days, in keeping with the lawyer common’s workplace.
In Lopez’s place, DeSantis has appointed Christopher Blackmon as the brand new Osceola County sheriff efficient instantly. Blackmon was the central area chief for the Florida Freeway Patrol previous to this appointment.
This isn’t the primary time Lopez has confronted authorized issues earlier than, having been below investigation after accidentally posting a photo of a deceased Madeline Soto on social media. He reached a plea deal in that investigation in December, according to WESH.
