BUSTED: DHS arrests Florida sheriff in massive racketeering scheme [VIDEO]

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A sheriff in central Florida was arrested by Homeland Security agents out of Tampa on Thursday, in connection with an illegal gambling scheme that had raked in over $20 million.

Osceola County Sheriff Marcos R. Lopez, 56, who was elected to office in November 2020, had reportedly been using his position to protect the illegal operation from law enforcement, and had collected his share of the proceeds for doing so.

A press release by the office of Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier includes the following:

Initially engaging the operation for campaign contributions and personal payments, Sheriff Lopez played a multifaceted role in expanding and protecting this illegal enterprise, using his office to shield the enterprise from law enforcement.

“This is a solemn day for Florida and our law enforcement community. We put great trust in our constitutional officers, especially those who are our communities’ first line of defense.” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “However, the law must be applied equally, regardless of position, power, or branch of government. 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.”

In 2023, a multi-agency investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and joined by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) uncovered a criminal organization operating an illegal gambling enterprise throughout Central Florida, particularly in Lake and Osceola Counties. The organization generated more than $21.6 million in illicit proceeds.

Following his election as Osceola County Sheriff in November 2020, Lopez continued to advance the interests of the criminal organization and collected a portion of the illegal gambling proceeds for his involvement. Other individuals are expected to be served with arrest warrants in the coming days.

Lopez is charged with racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering.

DHS released a video, with no sound, of the moment Lopez was arrested. He appears to be in handcuffs, and is seen still in his sheriff’s uniform – likely the last time he will ever wear it.

He was reportedly called in to the DHS office in Tampa Thursday morning, then agents slapped handcuffs on the surprised sheriff just moments after he arrived.

DHS wrote: “Osceola County, FL Sheriff Marcos Lopez was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations for his involvement in an illegal gambling operation in central Florida that generated more than $20 million in profits. Lopez is charged with racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, no one is above the law—including public officials.”

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis quickly suspended Lopez as sheriff, and appointed Christopher Blackmon of the Florida Highway Patrol to serve as the new Osceola County Sheriff.

According to booking information, Lopez is being held without bond in the Lake County Detention Center.

Fox 35 Orlando reported that there are at least four accomplices in the scheme:

According to the complaint, Marcos Lopez and at least four others – Ying Zhang, Sharon Fedrick, Sheldon Wetherholt, and Carol Cote – owned or operated the million-dollar social club in Kissimmee.

Carol Cote and Sharon Fedrick have been arrested. Officials are still looking for Ying Zhang and Sheldon Wetherholt.

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