A Florida sheriff has been arrested and suspended after authorities said he took money from and protected a massive $21.6 million gambling operation.

Osceola County Sheriff Marcos R. Lopez was arrested on racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering charges following a lengthy investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations and joined by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said Thursday.

In 2023, investigators discovered the illegal gambling enterprise that was operating throughout Central Florida, particularly in Lake and Osceola Counties, that generated more than $21.6 million in illicit proceeds.

Authorities said Lopez initially received campaign contributions and personal payments from the operation, but after he was elected

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