Marcos Lopez arrest: Osceola County approves forensic audit of sheriff’s office, requested by interim sheriff

Wife of suspended Osceola sheriff to remain in jail

Robin Severance-Lopez, the estranged wife of suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez, was in court Thursday for a bond hearing to determine if she had met the court's bond requirements and could be released from jail. Following the 4-hour bond hearing, the judge stated there is another $20,000 Robin will need to explain.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Osceola County officials announced their approval for a forensic audit of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. Interim Sheriff Christopher Blackmon requested the audit. 

Sheriff Blackmon was named sheriff following the arrest of suspended Sheriff Marcos Lopez on June 5, 2025.

Why was Marcos Lopez arrested?

The backstory:

Lopez has been charged with two federal counts of conspiracy to commit racketeering and racketeering connected to an alleged multi-million-dollar illegal gambling house that operated for years in Osceola County. Lopez has pleaded not guilty to the charges. On June 26, 2025, Lopez was released from the Lake County Jail on bond. 

Marcos Lopez, suspended Osceola County Sheriff, out of jail

Suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez was released from the Lake County Jail Thursday after posting $1M bond. He is facing two charges of conspiracy to commit racketeering and racketeering related to an alleged illegal gambling operation.

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Why is the forensic audit being done?

What we know:

According to a statement released Thursday, County Manager Don Fisher and Sheriff Blackmon recently met to discuss key issues related to the sheriff’s office, including its upcoming budget review. During those discussions, Blackmon expressed interest in conducting a forensic audit of certain aspects of the agency's operations.

Interim Osceola Co. Sheriff talks to FOX 35

Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon, who was appointed to the position by Gov. Ron DeSantis, following the arrest of former sheriff Marcos Lopez, said one of his most immediate goals is to ensure the agency's deputies and staff -- and the community -- that there is no systemic issue at OCSO. He spoke with FOX 35's Stephanie Buffamonte on Thursday evening. " This is a problem that occurred with the sheriff, and he has to answer for his charges."

What they're saying:

Osceola County released a statement in regard to the audit:

"County Manager Don Fisher and Sheriff Christopher Blackmon recently met to discuss key matters of importance to the Sheriff’s Office, including its budget, which is soon due for County review and approval later this year. During these discussions, Sheriff Blackmon expressed interest in having a forensic audit conducted regarding certain aspects of the Sheriff’s Office, and the County Manager agreed to provide the funds necessary to engage a qualified auditor that specializes in law enforcement and forensic audits. The ultimate decision to engage the auditor remains in Sheriff Blackmon’s purview. The County continues to support Sheriff Blackmon and the heroic men and women of the Sheriff’s Office."

Details about what aspects of the agency may be audited were not disclosed.