Overview

• Carol Cote pleaded guilty to racketeering and conspiracy in Lake County, becoming the first conviction among seven defendants tied to the alleged illegal gambling ring.
• Under her plea, Cote faces 90 to 364 days in jail and must provide truthful testimony in proceedings, with sentencing to be scheduled.
• Marcos Lopez has asked to move his trial from Lake County to Osceola County, and a judge will hear the venue motion on Oct. 14.
• Prosecutors plan to call 52 witnesses, and a two‑week trial is slated for the week before Thanksgiving, pending the venue ruling.
• Investigators say the operation generated more than $21 million, and cooperator Krishna Deokaran told them he paid Lopez $600,000 to $700,000, though he has not been charged.