Overview

• Lopez is charged with one count of racketeering and one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering.
• Prosecutors allege he used his position to shield a central Florida gambling operation in exchange for personal payouts and campaign contributions.
• Officials say the scheme generated more than $21.6 million and operated across Osceola and Lake counties.
• The charges follow a 2023 joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
• Since his election in 2020, Lopez has been sued over alleged excessive force and criticized for his handling of high-profile incidents.