OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. - Suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez formally pleaded not guilty to federal charges of racketeering and conspiracy on Friday morning, allegedly connected to an illegal gambling operation.

Lopez made his first court appearance in front of a judge on Friday to discuss the possibility of bond – 24 hours after his arrest. Lake County Judge Emily Curington granted Lopez bond, though it was set at $1 million ($500,000 for each charge).

The prosecution asked that bond be set at $1.2 million, $600,000 for each charge. An attorney representing Lopez had requested the bond be set at $50,000 – $25,000 for each charge.

In arguing for the high bond, prosecutors unveiled new details into the investigation and of Lopez's alleged involvement.

Prosecutor: Lopez ea

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