WATCH LIVE at 1:30 p.m.: Plea negotiation conference for former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez
Read full article: WATCH LIVE at 1:30 p.m.: Plea negotiation conference for former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos LopezPressure on Marcos Lopez has likely grown recently after five of his co-defendants struck plea deals with prosecutors, including his estranged wife.
Robin Severance Lopez, ex-Osceola sheriff’s estranged wife, pleads guilty in illegal gambling case
Read full article: Robin Severance Lopez, ex-Osceola sheriff’s estranged wife, pleads guilty in illegal gambling caseRobin Severance Lopez pleaded guilty Monday to two charges in the illegal gambling case, weeks before she was supposed to go to trial.
Marcos Lopez associate may testify against ex-sheriff’s estranged wife in illegal gambling trial
Read full article: Marcos Lopez associate may testify against ex-sheriff’s estranged wife in illegal gambling trialCourt documents say an associate of the former Osceola County sheriff, Marcos Lopez, may testify at the illegal gambling trial for Lopez’s estranged wife.
Robin Severance Lopez deposits tens of thousands while citing inability to pay ankle monitor bill, documents show
Read full article: Robin Severance Lopez deposits tens of thousands while citing inability to pay ankle monitor bill, documents showRobin Severance Lopez, the estranged wife of suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez, is facing new scrutiny.
Associate of suspended Osceola sheriff arrested
Read full article: Associate of suspended Osceola sheriff arrestedAn associate of suspended Osceola County sheriff Marcos Lopez has been charged with money laundering by the same statewide prosecutors handling a case involving a multi-million-dollar illegal gambling operation.
Estranged wife of suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez transferred to Lake County jail, given no bond
Read full article: Estranged wife of suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez transferred to Lake County jail, given no bondThe estranged wife of suspended Osceola County sheriff Marcos Lopez, who was charged in an illegal gambling probe, was taken into custody again months after bonding out of jail.
Clermont man killed in fiery head-on crash with tractor-trailer on SR-50
Read full article: Clermont man killed in fiery head-on crash with tractor-trailer on SR-50A 24-year-old Clermont man was killed in a fiery head-on crash with a tractor-trailer on State Road 50 in Lake County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Co-defendant in ex-Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez case pleads no contest, another pleads guilty
Read full article: Co-defendant in ex-Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez case pleads no contest, another pleads guiltyOne co-defendant in the illegal gambling case involving former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez changed their plea in court on Monday while another co-defendant pleaded guilty.
Suspended Sheriff Marcos Lopez wants his criminal trial moved from Lake to Osceola County
Read full article: Suspended Sheriff Marcos Lopez wants his criminal trial moved from Lake to Osceola CountyThe defense attorney for suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez is seeking a change of venue, pushing to move his criminal trial from Lake County to Osceola County.
Ex-Sheriff Marcos Lopez’s co-defendant found guilty in plea deal
Read full article: Ex-Sheriff Marcos Lopez’s co-defendant found guilty in plea dealA co-defendant in the illegal gambling case involving former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez took a plea deal on Monday. Carol Cote, 31, was adjudicated guilty during a hearing in Lake County. A date for sentencing has not been set yet.
Texts, ‘🎰🎰=💰’ emojis link suspended Osceola sheriff Marcos Lopez to gambling operation, prosecutors allege
Read full article: Texts, ‘🎰🎰=💰’ emojis link suspended Osceola sheriff Marcos Lopez to gambling operation, prosecutors allegeText messages sent by suspended Osceola County sheriff Marcos Lopez, including one featuring emojis of slot machines and a money bag, link him to a multi-million-dollar illegal gambling operation, authorities allege in newly released court records.
Affidavit offers more detail in illegal gambling investigation that led to arrest of suspended Osceola County sheriff
Read full article: Affidavit offers more detail in illegal gambling investigation that led to arrest of suspended Osceola County sheriffNew documents released, including a 255-page affidavit, offer more detail of an illegal gambling probe that involved the arrest of suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez.
Osceola County sheriff expects more charges as internal investigation deepens
Read full article: Osceola County sheriff expects more charges as internal investigation deepensOsceola County’s newly appointed Sheriff Chris Blackmon anticipates additional charges against individuals within his own department as investigations continue into the administration of former Sheriff Marcos Lopez .
‘Broken that sacred trust:’ 2 Osceola County Sheriff’s Office employees arrested
Read full article: ‘Broken that sacred trust:’ 2 Osceola County Sheriff’s Office employees arrestedOsceola County Sheriff Christopher A. Blackmon held a news conference on Wednesday to announce the arrest of two employees at the sheriff’s office.
Illegal gambling probe into suspended Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez involves 5 casinos, court records show
Read full article: Illegal gambling probe into suspended Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez involves 5 casinos, court records showThe illegal gambling investigation that led to racketeering charges being filed against Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez and five others may involve as many as five Central Florida gaming rooms, newly released court records reveal.
Illegal gambling probe into suspended Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez involves 5 casinos, court records show
Read full article: Illegal gambling probe into suspended Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez involves 5 casinos, court records showThe illegal gambling investigation that led to racketeering charges being filed against Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez and five others may involve as many as five Central Florida gaming rooms, newly released court records reveal.
Suspended Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez’s co-defendant may be in China, associates say
Read full article: Suspended Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez’s co-defendant may be in China, associates sayYing “Kate” Zhang is among at least six defendants facing racketeering charges stemming from an investigation into an unauthorized casino that allegedly generated more than $20 million in illegal proceeds.
Wife of suspended Osceola County sheriff must still prove legitimacy of some funds after bond hearing
Read full article: Wife of suspended Osceola County sheriff must still prove legitimacy of some funds after bond hearingOne week after former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez bonded out of jail, his estranged wife is due back in court following her arrest on a racketeering charge tied to a sprawling illegal gambling investigation.
Robin Severance Lopez, suspended Osceola sheriff’s wife, was an ‘honorable’ deputy, documents show
Read full article: Robin Severance Lopez, suspended Osceola sheriff’s wife, was an ‘honorable’ deputy, documents showA bond hearing Thursday may determine if the estranged wife of suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez can bond out of jail on charges in an illegal gambling house case. Documents give a glimpse at Robin Severance Lopez's time as a sheriff's office deputy.
Suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez leaves jail after posting $1M bond
Read full article: Suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez leaves jail after posting $1M bondSuspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez posted a $1 million bond and left jail Thursday, three weeks after he was arrested in an illegal gambling case.
Marcos Lopez’s wife remains in jail on $400K bond, faces racketeering charges
Read full article: Marcos Lopez’s wife remains in jail on $400K bond, faces racketeering chargesThe wife of embattled former Osceola County Sheriff Marcoz Lopez was arrested on Monday morning by Homeland Security Investigations.
New documents in case against former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez released
Read full article: New documents in case against former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez releasedNews 6 has obtained newly released documents that show Osceola County deputies raided an alleged casino months before the former sheriff was arrested.
Co-defendant of suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez bonds out of jail
Read full article: Co-defendant of suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez bonds out of jailA co-defendant in the racketeering case involving suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez was arrested late Tuesday. He has now bonded out of the Lake County jail.
Only on News 6: 1-on-1 with Osceola County’s new sheriff Chris Blackmon
Read full article: Only on News 6: 1-on-1 with Osceola County’s new sheriff Chris BlackmonNew Osceola County Sheriff Chris Blackmon gave News 6 Community Correspondent Laverne McGee an exclusive interview today on how he is going to deal with the crisis unfolding in the office.
Court hearing for Former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez canceled
Read full article: Court hearing for Former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez canceledFormer Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez was scheduled to have a motion hearing on Wednesday, according to the Lake County clerk of courts website. But that hearing is now canceled.
Osceola County Sheriff’s Office fires executive director days after Marcos Lopez’s arrest
Read full article: Osceola County Sheriff’s Office fires executive director days after Marcos Lopez’s arrestThe Osceola County Sheriff’s Office said on Monday that it has terminated its executive director just days after former Sheriff Marcos Lopez was arrested amid a massive investigation involving illegal gambling and public corruption.
‘Disgusting and disturbing:’ Man sentenced to a year in jail for slamming dog to ground
Read full article: ‘Disgusting and disturbing:’ Man sentenced to a year in jail for slamming dog to groundA man was sentenced to 366 days in prison after being caught on camera throwing a dog to the ground in 2024, court records show.
‘We sold a lot:’ St. Cloud restaurant mocks former Sheriff Lopez with new menu item
Read full article: ‘We sold a lot:’ St. Cloud restaurant mocks former Sheriff Lopez with new menu itemCharged with two felony counts of racketeering and facing a prolonged suspension from his position as Osceola County Sheriff, Marcos Lopez has more pressing challenges than having become the source of mockery on social media.
Meet Christopher Blackmon, Osceola County’s new interim sheriff
Read full article: Meet Christopher Blackmon, Osceola County’s new interim sheriffFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez from office, in accordance with state law, and appointed Christopher A. Blackmon to take his place while the case against Lopez plays out.
Who is Marcos Lopez, Osceola County sheriff arrested in gambling, corruption case?
Read full article: Who is Marcos Lopez, Osceola County sheriff arrested in gambling, corruption case?In his time in office, Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez implemented a number of public safety upgrades and sought to expand the agency’s relationship with the community. He also proved to be a controversial figure at times.
Bank ‘jugging’ is back: Crooks watch you withdraw cash and steal it, sometimes by force
Read full article: Bank ‘jugging’ is back: Crooks watch you withdraw cash and steal it, sometimes by forceAn old crime is new again. Bank “jugging” is sweeping across Central Florida. Crooks are following their victims from banks, waiting for the right opportunity to rob them.
Osceola County sees improvement in school zone safety with new camera enforcement program
Read full article: Osceola County sees improvement in school zone safety with new camera enforcement programIn February, Osceola County launched the first phase of its school zone safety program, where drivers would receive a $100 fine and a citation if caught speeding in a school zone. Phase two began in March, with both phases having a warning period of about a month before citations started going out.
‘Follow the law:’ Osceola sheriff addresses new state illegal immigration laws
Read full article: ‘Follow the law:’ Osceola sheriff addresses new state illegal immigration lawsInside the auditorium at Gateway High School Thursday night, Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez addressed a politically fraught topic that is of high interest to the large Hispanic community he serves: illegal immigration.
Man engulfed in flames at gas station sues Osceola County, deputies over use of force
Read full article: Man engulfed in flames at gas station sues Osceola County, deputies over use of forceIn February 2022, Jean Barreto-Baerga was riding his motorcycle when a traffic stop escalated into a confrontation at a gas station. Deputies, including David Crawford, followed Barreto to the Wawa due to allegations of reckless driving.
Man accused of beating victim to death with fire extinguisher at Osceola County hotel
Read full article: Man accused of beating victim to death with fire extinguisher at Osceola County hotelA man arrested in Osceola County is accused of killing someone at a hotel by kicking him, stomping on his head and using a fire extinguisher to beat him.
Osceola sheriff’s ‘untruthful’ statement about Madeline Soto photo lands him on Brady List. Here’s what that means
Read full article: Osceola sheriff’s ‘untruthful’ statement about Madeline Soto photo lands him on Brady List. Here’s what that meansIn one of his last acts as Orange-Osceola state attorney, Andrew Bain adds Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez to the Brady List.
Osceola County sheriff to pay $250 fine for posting photo of missing girl’s body on social media
Read full article: Osceola County sheriff to pay $250 fine for posting photo of missing girl’s body on social mediaIn a plea agreement with the state attorney’s office, Osceola County’s sheriff will pay a civil fine and plead no contest for posting the body of a missing girl on social media.
Man accused of shooting at Osceola home nabbed after high-speed pursuit. Here’s what we know
Read full article: Man accused of shooting at Osceola home nabbed after high-speed pursuit. Here’s what we knowOsceola County deputies said the man who fired several rounds outside a home in a Kissimmee area neighborhood Tuesday was captured in Southwest Florida on Tuesday evening.
Osceola County woman indicted on murder charge in daughter’s bathtub drowning death
Read full article: Osceola County woman indicted on murder charge in daughter’s bathtub drowning deathAn Osceola County woman accused of holding her daughter’s head underwater in a bathtub has been formally charged by a grand jury.

Osceola mom arrested after daughter’s death, accused of holding her head in bathtub
Read full article: Osceola mom arrested after daughter’s death, accused of holding her head in bathtubA mother arrested on Wednesday after her 14-year-old daughter was found dead is now facing first-degree murder charges, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
Marcos Lopez to keep his position after winning Osceola County Sheriff race
Read full article: Marcos Lopez to keep his position after winning Osceola County Sheriff raceOsceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez will retain his position after winning his race against challenger Donnie Martinez on Election Day.
Sheriff Marcos Lopez beats crowded primary field, advances to November
Read full article: Sheriff Marcos Lopez beats crowded primary field, advances to NovemberIncumbent Sheriff Marcos Lopez will advance to the general election in November after defeating four challengers in the Democratic primary Tuesday in Osceola County.
Man faces charges in shootout that killed 2 at Osceola County apartment complex
Read full article: Man faces charges in shootout that killed 2 at Osceola County apartment complexA 26-year-old man faces charges in the shooting deaths of two men at an apartment complex near Kissimmee on July 9, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
2 killed in shootout at apartment complex near Kissimmee; person of interest in custody
Read full article: 2 killed in shootout at apartment complex near Kissimmee; person of interest in custodyTwo people were killed in a shooting at an apartment complex near Kissimmee, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
Children wash cars to pay for St. Cloud father’s funeral after shooting
Read full article: Children wash cars to pay for St. Cloud father’s funeral after shootingThis Father’s Day weekend, Kingston, Conner and Irelynn are washing cars and selling baked goods to raise money for their father’s funeral.
4 Central Florida sheriffs reelected without opposition, while 4 others face opponents
Read full article: 4 Central Florida sheriffs reelected without opposition, while 4 others face opponentsFour Central Florida sheriffs will continue to lead their respective law enforcement agencies after getting no opponents for their reelection races this week.
‘Where’s my pool pump!?:’ Osceola sheriff explains what led to deadly shooting, arrest
Read full article: ‘Where’s my pool pump!?:’ Osceola sheriff explains what led to deadly shooting, arrestA man accused of shooting and killing another man at a home outside of St. Cloud has confessed to the crime, according to the Osceola County sheriff.
Florida investigates sheriff’s office that might have posted crime scene photo of Madeline Soto’s body
Read full article: Florida investigates sheriff’s office that might have posted crime scene photo of Madeline Soto’s bodyFormer Osceola County Sheriff Russ Gibson, who is running against Lopez in the 2024 election, said that the photograph depicted the body of 13-year-old Madeline Soto, who was found dead Friday afternoon in a wooded area near St. Cloud.
Osceola sheriff ‘accidentally’ posts possible crime scene photo in Madeline Soto case on Instagram
Read full article: Osceola sheriff ‘accidentally’ posts possible crime scene photo in Madeline Soto case on InstagramThe Instagram account for Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez posted a confidential crime scene photograph on Saturday morning, which the agency later said had been inadvertently shared with the public.
‘Nobody knew:’ Osceola Sheriff brings services to seniors at nursing homes
Read full article: ‘Nobody knew:’ Osceola Sheriff brings services to seniors at nursing homesMonday morning, for the first time, the Osceola County Sheriff brought his senior specialists, his fraud unit and his life-saving tools to an assisted living facility in Kissimmee - Sonata Hunter’s Creek.
Federal lawsuit filed against Osceola County sheriff, deputies in 2022 Target shooting
Read full article: Federal lawsuit filed against Osceola County sheriff, deputies in 2022 Target shootingAttorneys have officially filed a federal lawsuit against Osceola County’s sheriff and two deputies for the 2022 encounter and shooting outside a Target store in Kissimmee where one person was killed and two others were hurt.
Stop signs installed at Poinciana intersection 11 days after crash killed woman, 3 grandchildren
Read full article: Stop signs installed at Poinciana intersection 11 days after crash killed woman, 3 grandchildrenCrews will install news stop signs at an Osceola County intersection where a woman and her three grandchildren were killed in a crash less than two weeks ago.
4-way stop coming to Poinciana intersection where crash killed 4
Read full article: 4-way stop coming to Poinciana intersection where crash killed 4Electronic signs have been posted at the intersection where four people were killed in a crash Sunday. Message boards seen in the area Friday warn drivers the intersection of San Miguel Road and Laurel Avenue will become a four-way stop in the next two weeks.
Osceola mom who admitted to strangling 13-year-old now faces murder charge, deputies say
Read full article: Osceola mom who admitted to strangling 13-year-old now faces murder charge, deputies sayThe Osceola County mother who admitted to strangling her 13-year-old son now faces a charge of first-degree premeditated murder, according to a release from the sheriff's office.
Man accused of traveling for sex with teen girls in Osceola County, sheriff says
Read full article: Man accused of traveling for sex with teen girls in Osceola County, sheriff saysA 24-year-old man was arrested Wednesday in Osceola County, accused of traveling from Davenport to a resort in Four Corners to have sex with two minors who he had been talking with on social media, according to the sheriff’s office.
Drills, new tech show how Osceola officials plan to keep students safe
Read full article: Drills, new tech show how Osceola officials plan to keep students safeThe Osceola County Sheriff and Osceola Superintendent held a news conference on Wednesday to show parents how they plan to keep students, faculty and staff safe this school year.
Osceola County sheriff to begin Start Women on Watch Initiative
Read full article: Osceola County sheriff to begin Start Women on Watch InitiativeThe Women on Watch Initiative is a free program that acts as a precursor to the police academy that gives women interested in a career in law enforcement a preview of the expectations of the academy and the sheriff’s office in an environment created by women, for women.
Is anti-bullying campaign in Osceola elementary schools working? Here’s what we know
Read full article: Is anti-bullying campaign in Osceola elementary schools working? Here’s what we knowAt the beginning of the 2022-23 school year, Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez took his anti-bullying message to all elementary schools in the area for the first time ever.
Osceola County deputy fired, arrested after warning child sex suspect of warrant, sheriff says
Read full article: Osceola County deputy fired, arrested after warning child sex suspect of warrant, sheriff saysAn Osceola County deputy accused of helping a child sex suspect has been fired and arrested, according to the sheriff’s office.
Osceola deputy charged more than a year after suspect burnt in Taser-sparked fire during arrest
Read full article: Osceola deputy charged more than a year after suspect burnt in Taser-sparked fire during arrestOsceola County Deputy David Crawford is now formally charged stemming from a 2022 arrest in which the deputy is accused of starting a fire with a Taser which left a suspect badly burned across most of his body.
More body cameras coming for Osceola County deputies, sheriff’s office says
Read full article: More body cameras coming for Osceola County deputies, sheriff’s office sayshe Osceola County Sheriff’s Office says they plan to issue more body-worn cameras to their deputies this year. A spokesperson for Sheriff Marcos Lopez says that since taking office, he has ensured all members on patrol have body cameras, but there are other scenarios where sworn personnel are on the job without this equipment.
Security guard accused of sex misconduct with teen at Osceola juvenile detention facility
Read full article: Security guard accused of sex misconduct with teen at Osceola juvenile detention facilityA security guard at an Osceola County juvenile detention facility is accusing of having sex with one of the detainees, according to Sheriff Marcos Lopez
Osceola County deputies shoot, kill 83-year-old man after he points gun at them, sheriff says
Read full article: Osceola County deputies shoot, kill 83-year-old man after he points gun at them, sheriff saysOsceola County deputies shot and killed a man in a neighborhood in the Kissimmee area Thursday after he pointed a gun at them, according to the sheriff.
St. Cloud police officer accused of stealing, using dead person’s credit card information
Read full article: St. Cloud police officer accused of stealing, using dead person’s credit card informationA St. Cloud police officer is accused of stealing and using a dead person’s credit card information, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
Video captures parent sucker-punching umpire at Florida baseball game, deputies say
Read full article: Video captures parent sucker-punching umpire at Florida baseball game, deputies sayA parent is accused of punching an umpire in the head during a high school baseball game near Kissimmee, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
Celebration High School coach accused of sexual misconduct with students facing more charges
Read full article: Celebration High School coach accused of sexual misconduct with students facing more chargesA former Celebration High School coach arrested earlier this month, accused of sexual misconduct with students, is facing more charges, records show.
Celebration High School coach arrested, accused of sexual misconduct with students, sheriff says
Read full article: Celebration High School coach arrested, accused of sexual misconduct with students, sheriff saysOsceola County deputies and Sheriff Marcos Lopez on Thursday escorted a Celebration High School baseball coach to a patrol car for his arrest, accused of sexual misconduct with at least two students.
‘Facts matter:’ Monique Worrell provides update on Osceola County drug trafficking cases
Read full article: ‘Facts matter:’ Monique Worrell provides update on Osceola County drug trafficking casesOrange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell spoke about drug trafficking Monday after Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez called out the state for its lack of prosecution of these cases last week.
Florida State Attorney Worrell defends prosecutions amid public criticisms
Read full article: Florida State Attorney Worrell defends prosecutions amid public criticismsFollowing a shooting rampage that left three people dead in Pine Hills in February, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Orange County Sheriff John Mina and Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez have spoken out against Worrell.
‘This is what’s poisoning us:’ Osceola sheriff gives update on drug trafficking arrests, deaths
Read full article: ‘This is what’s poisoning us:’ Osceola sheriff gives update on drug trafficking arrests, deathsOsceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez on Thursday provided an update on the number of drug overdoses and deaths within the community in 2022.
Deputies ID man, woman found dead in murder-suicide outside Osceola home
Read full article: Deputies ID man, woman found dead in murder-suicide outside Osceola homeOsceola County deputies have identified the man and woman found dead Tuesday outside a St. Cloud home in what they are now calling a murder-suicide, according to the sheriff’s office.
Man arrested, accused of raping 12-year-old girl several times, Osceola sheriff says
Read full article: Man arrested, accused of raping 12-year-old girl several times, Osceola sheriff saysA man was arrested and accused of raping a 12-year-old girl several times within the past year after approaching her at a neighborhood block party, Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez said at a news briefing Friday.
3 dead in apparent murder-suicide at Osceola mobile home involving man, his mother and her boyfriend
Read full article: 3 dead in apparent murder-suicide at Osceola mobile home involving man, his mother and her boyfriendDeputies identified two men and a woman found dead following an apparent murder-suicide near the Floridian Sandalwood mobile home park, the sheriff’s office said.
