More information has come out about suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez’s role in a $21m illegal gambling ring that led to his arrest in June. News outlets obtained a 255-page affidavit related to the investigation, which outlines the alleged role of Lopez in the extensive operation.
Detectives believe that Lopez helped set up one of the illegal gambling businesses in return for getting campaign donations and personal payments when he was running for sheriff. Once inaugurated in 2021, he started providing protection for the ring. He even allegedly recruited people to the illegal operation, got leases for new locations, and even helped broker a joint venture between two of the other defendants.
You will be safe and not have to worry about anything because I will be your sheriff.”
In one of the texts detailed in the affidavit, Lopez told alleged investor Ying Zhang: “No matter what the outcome is, when I win, we start the first internet amusement cafe in Osceola County. You will be safe and not have to worry about anything because I will be your sheriff.”
Krishna DeoKaran allegedly led the entire gambling operation and said that Lopez received a cut of the profits every month, typically ranging from $10,000 to $35,000, which added up to $700,000 by July 2024. Lopez now faces conspiracy and racketeering charges; he is out on a $1m bond.
