In a stunning turn for Osceola County law enforcement, Sheriff Marcos Lopez was suspended by Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday following his arrest on federal racketeering charges tied to a multimillion-dollar illegal gambling and public corruption investigation.
The first degree felony charges stem from a sweeping federal investigation into illegal gambling and public corruption, with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier confirming Lopez’s involvement in a multimillion-dollar criminal enterprise. According to the Attorney General’s office, the gambling operation generated more than $21.6 million in illicit proceeds, with Lopez allegedly using his office to shield the enterprise from law enforcement in exchange for campaign contributions and personal financial gain.
“This is a solemn day for Florida and our law enforcement community,” Uthmeier said in a statement. “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.”
Lopez was arrested Thursday and booked into the Lake County Jail without bond. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has indicated it will release additional information on the case soon. News outlets have confirmed a federal case has been filed in district court.
In response to the arrest, Governor DeSantis issued an executive order appointing Christopher A. Blackmon as Interim Sheriff of Osceola County. Blackmon, a 35-year veteran in law enforcement, currently serves as the regional chief of the Florida Highway Patrol for Central Florida and oversees over 850 troopers and 95 civilian employees. He also leads immigration-related operations across all 67 counties in Florida and serves as FHP’s statewide incident commander. Blackmon holds a degree in Homeland Security from Vincennes University.
Blackmon joined the Florida Highway Patrol in 1990. His career has been marked by leadership and recognition, including being honored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving in 1993 for his dedication to DUI enforcement. He also serves as the statewide incident commander for FHP, leading major coordinated responses across Florida.
As Interim Sheriff, Blackmon is expected to provide steady leadership and continuity during this period of transition.
Osceola County Manager Don Fisher released a statement emphasizing that the County and its Commission had no role in the investigation:
“The Sheriff is a separate constitutional officer, apart from the County or the County Commission, and it’s important to note that the County had no role in this investigation. However, the County and our Commission stand ready at the helm to support Interim Sheriff Christopher Blackmon and the courageous men and women of the Osceola Sheriff’s Department however we can during this period, as appropriate.”
Sheriff Lopez, who has served the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office since 2003, made history in 2020 when he was elected as the county’s first Hispanic sheriff. A father of three and 22-year military veteran, Lopez was re-elected in November and known for initiating several community-focused programs.
His tenure included the launch of a Real Time Crime Center in 2021 to improve emergency response, the “Keeping Our Seniors Safe” initiative in 2024, and the “Women on Watch” campaign in 2023 to increase female recruitment in law enforcement. He also expanded public safety outreach by hiring full-time Spanish-speaking 911 dispatchers and creating an anti-bullying campaign for Osceola County schools.
As the legal process unfolds, Interim Sheriff Blackmon is expected to lead the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office during this transitional period or longer. The next general election is in 2028.
