Three members of a family that owns La Tienda Guatemala convenience stores in Apopka and Ocoee were arrested this week, with prosecutors accusing them of running an illegal pharmacy operation out front and an unlicensed gambling setup in the back, according to court records. Investigators say months of undercover work and seized evidence back up the allegations. Bond for each defendant was set at more than $100,000, and any release would require them to surrender their passports while the case moves forward.
According to FOX 35 Orlando, the investigation started after the Apopka Police Department received an anonymous tip in October 2025 that the stores were selling ampicillin. Court filings reviewed by the outlet say Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation agents later pulled empty boxes marked “Ampicillin Capsules” from a dumpster in November. During an undercover visit in December, agents reported spotting a gambling slot machine inside one of the locations. FOX 35 identifies the three arrested owners as Bernave Lopez-Perez, Debora Lopez-Perez and Maria Lopez-Perez.
Alleged pharmacy operation
Investigators allege that some medications sold at the stores were not approved for U.S. commerce, were improperly labeled, or were dispensed without prescriptions, circumstances that public health authorities warn can put customers at risk. The Food and Drug Administration advises that foreign or otherwise unapproved drugs may be contaminated, incorrectly labeled or produced outside U.S. quality standards, and generally cannot legally enter interstate commerce. Officials note that those concerns are especially serious with antibiotics, where incorrect dosing or fake products can contribute to more resistant bacteria.
Charges, bond and defense
According to FOX 35 Orlando, the three defendants are charged with racketeering, money laundering, scheme to defraud, sale, delivery or possession of controlled substances and related conspiracy counts. The outlet reports that Debora and Maria Lopez-Perez also face charges of keeping or maintaining a structure for controlled substances. Their attorney, Miguel Gonzalez Jr., told FOX 35, “These were antibiotics. It’s not like they’re selling cocaine or fentanyl,” arguing that the products at issue were not hard narcotics.
What the charges mean
Florida prosecutes racketeering under its state RICO statute, which lets prosecutors link alleged criminal acts to an enterprise and provides both criminal penalties and civil remedies. State drug laws make it a crime to sell or deliver controlled substances without authorization and impose felony penalties for distribution and for maintaining a place used for drug activity. Separate gambling statutes and state gaming regulations cover slot machines and other devices, and running unlicensed gambling on business property can result in criminal charges and civil forfeiture. Together, those laws give prosecutors several avenues to bring charges and to pursue asset forfeiture if the evidence supports it.
The arrested owners are expected to appear in court on upcoming docket dates set by Orange County authorities, although specific arraignment dates were not listed in public records reviewed by FOX 35. The convenience stores remain open while the case plays out, and local officials have asked anyone with information or relevant video to contact investigators. This report will be updated as new court filings, official statements, or additional reporting emerge.
