Former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez was handed a $1 million bond after his arrest on charges related to involvement in a widespread illegal gambling operation, confirmed reports from ClickOrlando. Lopez, who was booked into Lake County Jail yesterday, is facing one count of racketeering and one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering, each carrying a bond set at $500,000.
The operation in question is believed to have generated more than $20 million in illegal proceeds. Following his virtual courtroom appearance Friday, the judge also mandated that Lopez be placed under GPS monitoring, and he must turn over his passport and all firearms within 72 hours after release, as per the same source. Stripped of his gun and badge as he walked into a federal building, the fall of Lopez has reportedly shaken the Central Florida law enforcement community, according to WFTV.
Four additional individuals were also arrested in connection with the case. Among them are Carol Cote, Ying Zhang, also known as "Kate," Sharon Fedrick, and Sheldon Wetherholt. Governor Ron DeSantis has suspended Lopez in light of the allegations and has appointed Christopher A. Blackmon as interim sheriff.
