A co-defendant from the state’s racketeering case that led to the arrest and suspension of Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez appeared in a Lake County courtroom Monday afternoon for a change of plea hearing.

“We have reached an agreement,” statewide prosecutor Panagiota Papakos said at the start of the hearing for Carol Cote.

The details of the agreement were not disclosed in court as Cote agreed to plead guilty to charges of racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering. Cote was represented by a public defender.

“I will adjudicate you guilty, and we will see you in the future for sentencing,” Judge Brian Welke said.

The reason sentencing could be being held for a later date could be for two reasons, according to criminal defense attorney Jose Rivas, who isn't involved with thi

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