OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Marcos Lopez, the suspended Sheriff of Osceola County, is currently facing trial proceedings after entering a not guilty plea to charges of racketeering. Prosecutors allege that Lopez was involved in orchestrating a multimillion-dollar illegal gambling operation, which primarily operated out of arcades and casinos in Lake and Osceola counties.
In this case, several individuals connected to the allegations have either confessed to their roles or agreed to plea bargains, although one suspect remains unaccounted for.
Originating from a tip-off in 2022, the investigation has been extensive, involving covert operations, GPS surveillance, and the execution of search warrants. This thorough probe has led to numerous arrests and admissions of guilt, which authorities claim outline the expansive network.
Who’s who?
Marcos Lopez: Denies the charges, awaiting trial.
Robin Severance Lopez: Has admitted to money laundering and giving false information on a bail application.
Krishna Deokaran: Has pleaded guilty to charges of money laundering.
Carol Cote: Pleaded guilty to racketeering
Sharon Fedrick: Pleaded guilty to racketeering
Sheldon Wetherholt: Pleaded no contest to racketeering
Ying Zhang: Still at large
Timeline
Sept. 2022 – Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation (MBI) receives Crimeline tip that Eclipse Social Club was operating as a casino
July 2023 – MBI conducts its first undercover operation at Eclipse
December 2023 – Confidential informant contacts Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) alleging Krishna Deokaran was involved in money laundering.
January 2024 – HSI conducts an undercover money laundering sting on Deokaran
Feb 2024 – HSI installs a GPS tracker on Deokaran’s vehicle that shows him frequenting several gaming rooms in Lake and Osceola counties.
April 2024 – HSI conducts undercover operations at three casinos (Players Club, Jungle Hut, Eclipse)
Aug. 27, 2024 — HSI executes search warrants on Eclipse Social Club, Players Club, and Deokaran’s home.
Sept 5, 2024 — Marcos Lopez’s name appears for the first time in investigative reports during an FDLE interview with Sharon Fedrick.
June 5 – Marcos Lopez arrested
June 23 – Severance Lopez arrested
June 26 – Marcos Lopez bonds out
July 7 – Severance Lopez bonds out
Oct. 6 – Carol Cote pleads guilty
Oct. 13 – Wetherholt pleads no contest, Fedrick pleads guilty
Oct. 23 – Severance Lopez taken into custody
Oct. 27 – Krishna Deokaran arrested
Nov. 24 – Severance Lopez pleads guilty
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