(NewsNation) — A Florida sheriff was arrested Thursday on charges of racketeering and conspiracy as part of what state authorities described as a probe into a massive gambling operation, according to court documents.
Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez was arrested on first-degree felonies and taken to the Lake County jail on no bond.
Lopez took campaign contributions and personal payments as well as protected the gambling operation, according to a statement put out by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.
The organization generated more than $21.6 million in illicit proceeds.
Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Lopez in an executive order and appointed a Florida Highway Patrol official to be the county’s sheriff.
The organization received more than $21.6 million in illicit proceeds, authorities stated.
“Today’s arrest underscores HSI’s commitment to holding everyone, including public officials, accountable. No one, regardless of their position, is above the law,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tampa Special Agent John Condon. “Corruption undermines the integrity of public trust. HSI, along with our partners, is committed to combating it.”