A Florida constable was apprehended over charges he orchestrated an enormous unlawful gambling operation, raking in millions of dollars while doing so.

Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez, 44, has been accused of using his badge to protect a an illegal betting empire that district attorneys say generated more than $21.6 million in unclean money.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier revealed the charges in a statement saying: 'This is a solemn day for Florida and our police community. We put fantastic trust in our constitutional officers, particularly those who are our communities' first line of defense. Public servants must never ever make use of the public's trust for personal gain.'

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Busted: Florida constable Marcos Lopez was collared on allegations he managed an unlawful betting operation

Lopez now deals with 2 first-degree felony counts: racketeering and conspiracy to .

According to prosecutors, the constable played a 'diverse role' in broadening and protecting the illegal operation, personally benefiting through project contributions and secret payments.

Lopez's fall from grace is even more disconcerting considering his background. Born in Chicago and raised in Central Florida, he joined the Osceola County Sheriff's Office in 2003 while serving in the Navy Reserve.

He later on earned an associate's degree in criminal justice and increased through the ranks to become constable in 2021, making history at the same time as the county's first Hispanic constable

Lopez was re-elected in 2024, but his second term hardly got underway before the investigation got underway.

In custody: Now reserved into the Lake County Jail without bond, Lopez deals with an arraignment hearing set for June 30

If convicted, he could face years behind bars.

The scandal became public on Wednesday, when Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents, supported by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), stroked in and arrested Lopez.

In a video published by HSI Tampa, agents can be seen approaching the constable as he asks, 'What is this about?' before being handcuffed and led away.

Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated: 'Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, no one is above the law - including public officials.'

Illegal operation: Prosecutors say the constable played a 'diverse function' in expanding and safeguarding the illegal wagering ring

Governor Ron DeSantis also squandered no time at all, releasing an executive order suspending Lopez from office.

In swift a response, DeSantis designated Florida Highway Patrol Central Region Chief Christopher Blackmon, a 35-year law enforcement veteran, to function as interim constable.

'He has actually embarrassed himself, his household, and the great males and females who operate at the Osceola County Sheriff's Office,' said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. 'His conduct is outrageous, unprofessional, and clearly corrupt.'

Attorney Mark NeJame, who has long criticized Lopez, included: 'It's terrible when any public authorities is accused of crimes and jeopardizing the very individuals and laws they are sworn to safeguard. Sadly, I can not specify that I marvel with this latest accusation.'

In a joint declaration following his arrest, lawyers Antonio Romanucci, Stephen Weil, Sam Harton, and Albert Yonfa stated: 'Sheriff Lopez's arrest on racketeering charges is additional evidence of a deeply rooted culture of unlawful habits from the extremely top of the Osceola County Sheriff's Department. The charges show he was parading as a major law enforcement officer while rather participating in illegal behavior.'

Background: Lopez was born in Chicago and raised in Central Florida. He originally joined the US military when he was only 17 and completed 22 years of service

The investigation into Lopez's supposed criminal empire began in 2023 and has actually exposed a twisted web of corruption.

The prohibited business, according to investigators, ran lotteries and slot makers throughout Lake and Osceola Counties.

Prosecutors say Lopez not just secured the operation but advanced its interests after taking office in 2021.

'As law enforcement, we are held to higher standards of stability and character than other professions,' stated FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass. 'This case exposed that Lopez breached the trust and stability expected of him as the appropriately elected constable.'

More arrests are expected in the coming days as investigators decipher the full degree of the betting network.

Osceola County Manager Don Fisher emphasized that the county had no function in the investigation, but said it 'stands ready at the helm' to support Interim Sheriff Blackmon and the constable's department during this tumultuous period.

In the wake of the arrest, Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa and City Manager Mike Steigerwald appeared on Facebook Live, with Espinosa calling it 'an upsetting moment' for the neighborhood.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood added: 'The claims, if real, are extremely severe and troubling, and undermine the honor and integrity of every law enforcement officer who wears the badge.'