OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Text messages sent by suspended Osceola County sheriff Marcos Lopez, including one featuring emojis of slot machines and a money bag, link him to a multi-million-dollar illegal gambling operation, authorities allege in newly released court records.

Lopez pleaded not guilty to racketeering charges in June following his arrest and suspension from office by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

In 2019, while campaigning to become sheriff of Osceola County, court records indicate a longtime friend who worked as a security guard at a Lake County gaming room introduced Lopez to businessman Krisha Deokaran.

Authorities allege Deokaran owned and operated several gambling establishments since 2016.

Deokaran has not been charged with any crimes, court records show.

[WATCH: Osceola County

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