Who Is Marcos Lopez?
Marcos Radame Lopez is a former and suspended sheriff of Osceola County, Florida. He was sworn in as sheriff in 2021, becoming the first Hispanic sheriff in the county and in Florida, according to his official biography. Governor Ron DeSantis suspended him after his arrest on June 5, 2025.
Where Was Marcos Lopez Born?
Marcos Lopez was born in Chicago and grew up in Central Florida. He was 56 years old at the time of his June 2025 arrest.
What Is Marcos Lopez’s Military and Education Background?
Marcos Lopez has a military background and police academy training. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17. He served in the military for 22 years. He graduated from the police academy at the Technical Education Center of Osceola.
What Was Marcos Lopez’s Career Before Becoming Sheriff?
Marcos Lopez held 3 types of roles before becoming sheriff.
- Resident security agent for Major League Baseball (2007 to 2016)
- Deputy at the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office from 2003, with assignments in communications, patrol, criminal investigations, and the Community Response Team
- Candidate for sheriff in 2016, an election he did not win
How Did Marcos Lopez Become Sheriff?
Marcos Lopez won the 2020 election for Osceola County Sheriff. He defeated Luiz “Tony” Fernandez. He was sworn in on January 5, 2021.
What Did Marcos Lopez Change as Sheriff?
Marcos Lopez implemented a real-time crime center, a Tactical Anti-Crime Unit, an Osceola County Narcotics Bureau, and a Fugitive Extradition Program with Puerto Rico.
Did Marcos Lopez Win Re-Election in 2024?
Marcos Lopez won re-election in November 2024. He received 58% of the vote and defeated Republican challenger Donnie Martinez by about 25,000 votes. He first defeated 4 challengers in the Democratic primary, including former Sheriff Russ Gibson.
What Controversies Surrounded Marcos Lopez Before His Arrest?
Marcos Lopez faced 2 main controversies before 2025.
- Madeline Soto photo: An investigative photo showing where the body of Madeline Soto was found was posted to the sheriff’s personal social media account in 2024. State Attorney Andrew Bain added Lopez to the Brady list, which names officers with a history of misconduct. Lopez has claimed the move was politically based.
- 2022 deputy shooting: The sheriff’s office came under scrutiny after deputies shot and killed a 20-year-old man in 2022.
What Is Marcos Lopez Charged With?
Marcos Lopez is charged with 2 felony counts. The counts are racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering, both second-degree felonies. The Florida Attorney General’s office alleges the gambling operation and corruption scheme generated more than $21 million in profits.
Prosecutors allege Lopez used his influence as sheriff to collect more than $600,000. He posted a $1 million bond after about 3 weeks in jail. He pleaded not guilty. A charge is an allegation, and a court has not issued a verdict.
What Is the Status of the Marcos Lopez Case?
The case against Marcos Lopez is awaiting trial as of October 2026. A trial was scheduled for October 20 in Lake County. Later reporting listed November 10 as the trial date. A subsequent report states that Lopez waived his right to a speedy trial and that the November trial would not proceed.
Several co-defendants have admitted wrongdoing or accepted plea deals, including his estranged wife, Robin Severance Lopez, who pleaded guilty to money laundering and providing false information on a bail application. Lopez is the only named defendant planning to go to trial.
Who Replaced Marcos Lopez as Osceola County Sheriff?
Christopher Blackmon replaced Marcos Lopez as Osceola County Sheriff. Governor DeSantis appointed Blackmon after the suspension of Lopez, the county’s 20th sheriff. Blackmon previously served as chief of the Florida Highway Patrol.
What Is the Marcos Lopez Career Timeline?
The table below lists the career of Marcos Lopez by year, event, and detail.
| Year | Event | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Career start | Joined the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office |
| 2007 to 2016 | Private security | Resident security agent, Major League Baseball |
| 2016 | Election | Unsuccessful campaign for sheriff |
| 2020 | Election | Defeated Luiz “Tony” Fernandez |
| 2021 | Inauguration | Sworn in on January 5 |
| 2024 | Re-election | 58% of the vote over Donnie Martinez |
| 2025 | Arrest | June 5 arrest; suspended by executive order |
| 2026 | Court | Awaiting trial; pleaded not guilty |
People Also Ask
Where is Marcos Lopez from?
Marcos Lopez was born in Chicago and raised in Central Florida.
Is Marcos Lopez still the sheriff of Osceola County?
Marcos Lopez is suspended from office, and Christopher Blackmon serves as sheriff.
What is Marcos Lopez accused of?
Marcos Lopez is accused of racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering tied to an alleged illegal gambling operation.
Has Marcos Lopez been convicted?
Marcos Lopez has not been convicted, and he has pleaded not guilty.
What political party does Marcos Lopez belong to?
Marcos Lopez is a member of the Democratic Party.
Why Is Marcos Lopez Known as an Osceola County Sheriff?
Marcos Lopez is known as the first Hispanic sheriff in Osceola County and Florida. His career spans 22 years of military service, a start at the sheriff’s office in 2003, and election wins in 2020 and 2024. His 2025 arrest on 2 racketeering charges led to his suspension, and the case remains pending in Lake County court.