This browser does not support the Video element.
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. - Suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez is requesting that his criminal trial be moved from Lake County to Osceola County.
Push to move trial from Lake County to Osceola County
Latest Updates:
The defense attorney for Lopez is seeking a change of venue for his criminal trial, requesting it be moved from Lake County to Osceola County.
During a pre-trial conference via Zoom on Tuesday, Lopez's attorney said she had filed a motion for the change in venue.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP
What's next:
A judge will hear the defense’s argument on the change of venue motion on Oct. 14.
If the change is granted, trial proceedings would move from Lake County, where they have been held since Lopez and his co-defendants were indicted in June.
They are accused of operating an illegal gambling enterprise for years that allegedly generated more than $21 million. Lopez, who has pleaded not guilty, was arrested in June and later released on bond. Several others, including his estranged wife, also face racketeering charges.
A trial date has been set for the week before Thanksgiving, and a pre-trial conference for Lopez and his co-defendants has been set for Nov. 6.
New documents detail alleged role in illegal gambling enterprise
What we know:
Last month, FOX 35 News obtained hundreds of pages of documents related to the federal government's investigation into the alleged illegal gambling operation in Central Florida. The 255-page federal affidavit details Lopez’s alleged role in securing leases, recruiting members and collecting cash payments tied to Eclipse Social Club.
The affidavit to issue a warrant for Lopez's arrest alleges he used his influence to seek campaign donations when running for sheriff, and then, after winning, used his position to shield the business from criminal investigations.
"Marcos R. Lopez played a multifaceted role in the expansion and protection of the enterprise," the affidavit reads. "Lopez initially joined the operation in exchange for political campaign contributions and personal payments. … Marcos R. Lopez pledged to use his anticipated position as the elected Osceola County sheriff to shield the enterprise from law enforcement scrutiny. He recruited new members, secured leases for new locations, including Eclipse Social Club in Osceola County, and facilitated the joint venture between (two other defendants). … Following his election … Lopez continued to advance the interests of the criminal organization, and that he collected a portion of the illegal gambling proceeds … in cash."
This browser does not support the Video element.
Marcos Lopez: Documents detail alleged role in gambling scheme
FOX 35 Orlando and other news outlets obtained hundreds of pages of documents related to the federal government's investigation into an alleged illegal gambling operation in Central Florida linked to the arrests of suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez, his estranged wife, Robin Lopez, and others.
Who's who in the investigation?
Dig deeper:
Here's what we know about the seven people involved in the investigation.
- Marcos Lopez: Suspended Osceola County sheriff. He's accused of being a "silent partner" of Eclipse Social Club and using his influence to shield the illegal business from law enforcement overnight.
- Robin Lopez: The estranged wife of Marcos Lopez. She's facing charges of conspiracy to commit racketeering and conspiracy to use or invest proceeds from racketeering.
- Krishna DeoKaran ("Kris"): Described as the leader of the illegal operation, overseeing financial and logistical framework.
- Ying Zhang ("Kate"): Described as an investor and co-business owner, helping fund the business, and partnering with DeoKaran to open new gambling locations.
- Carol Cote: Acted as bookkeeper, maintained financial records and helped manage funds.
- Sharon Fredrick: Served as the business's manager and "played a critical role in laundering proceeds."
- Sheldon Wetherholt: Helped facilitate property leases and utilities for the alleged illegal operations.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Plea negotiation for Marcos Lopez & 4 co-defendants
Suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez is heading back to court on Tuesday. He's accused of running an illegal gambling operation. FOX 35's Amanda McKenzie shares information on the plea negotiation happening Tuesday for Lopez and four of his co-defendants.
Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez arrested
The backstory:
Lopez was arrested in June on charges of racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering over his alleged involvement in the major years-long illegal gambling operation. He was booked into the Lake County Jail.
SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Lopez from his role, and Florida Highway Patrol's (FHP) Christopher A. Blackmon was immediately appointed to fill Lopez's position.
Lopez had served as sheriff since 2021 and became the first Hispanic sheriff in the county and the state.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Sheriff Marcos Lopez arrest: FOX 35 team coverage
FOX 35 is learning more after the Thursday morning arrest of now former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez. FOX 35 reporters Manny Martinez, Chancelor Winn and Marlisa Goldsmith have the latest on the case.
The Source: This story was written based on information gathered from previous reporting and shared by the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida.