(The Center Square) – A Florida sheriff has been charged in a public-corruption related investigation that involved an illegal gambling operation.

Attorney General James Uthmeier's Office of Statewide Prosecution charged Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez and others in a massive Central Florida gambling operation on Thursday.

The charges allege that Lopez initially got involved in the gambling operation to receive campaign contributions and personal payments, but later “played a multifaceted role in expanding and protecting this illegal enterprise, using his office to shield the enterprise from law enforcement.”

"This is a solemn day for Florida and our law enforcement community. We put great trust in our constitutional officers, especially those who are our communities' first line

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