Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez was arrested Thursday morning on charges of racketeering and conspiracy over allegations that he helped run and protect a gambling operation while the top law enforcement officer of the county.

That is according to the criminal complaint, an executive order from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and statements from the Florida Attorney General's Office.

Gov. DeSantis suspended Lopez as Osceola County Sheriff on Thursday and appointed FHP Chief Christopher Blackmon as acting sheriff.

Who is Marcos Lopez?

What we know:

Marcos Lopez was born in Chicago and raised in Central Florida, according to his online bio. He served for more than 20 years with the U.S. military.

He joined the Osceola County Sheriff's Office in 2003.

In 2020, he was elected as sher

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