Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa says they’ve arrested Robin Severance-Lopez, the estranged wife of suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez. She’s now facing state charges for conspiracy to commit racketeering. Her arrest is just the latest twist in a growing investigation into a massive illegal gambling ring that’s been operating across Central Florida.
Wife of Marcos Lopez latest to be arrested in gambling probe
Severance-Lopez’s arrest follows that of her husband, Marcos Lopez, who was taken into custody on June 5 after federal and state agents linked him to a criminal enterprise that allegedly generated more than $21.6 million in illicit proceeds. As of now, Lopez has not yet posted his $1 million bond.
However, in a newly-released video by HSI Tampa, Severance-Lopez, 50, can be seen being handcuffed by federal agents.
Robin Severance-Lopez, the estranged wife of the now suspended sheriff of Osceola County, Marcos Lopez, was arrested by @HSITampa on state charges for conspiracy to commit racketeering. Lopez, the now suspended sheriff, was arrested June 5 following an investigation into a… pic.twitter.com/N6525QwBAs
— HSI Tampa (@HSITampa) June 23, 2025
At the time of Lopez’s arrest, HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge John Condon said, “Corruption undermines the integrity of public trust. HSI, along with our partners, are committed to combatting it.”
The former sheriff, who remains behind bars, is facing racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering charges. Authorities allege he used his elected position to shield and facilitate an illegal gambling network, with some of the illicit funds funneled into personal payments and campaign contributions.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said, “This is a solemn day for Florida and our law enforcement community. Public servants should never exploit the public’s trust for personal gain.”
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the illegal gambling enterprise operated for years despite multiple police calls to one of the suspected locations. FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass stated, “As law enforcement, we are held to higher standards of integrity and character than other professions. This case revealed that Lopez violated that trust.”
Kissimmee, Florida: Robin Lynn Severance Lopez, the wife of suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez, was arrested on a felony charge of conspiracy to use investment proceeds from racketeering.
Marcos Lopez and his alleged co-conspirators are accused of running a… pic.twitter.com/imwXN1oeeG
— The Mourning Feed (@TheMourningFeed) June 23, 2025
Others implicated in gambling ring
The investigation also implicates several others including Ying Zhang, Sharon Federick, Sheldon Wetherholt, and Carol Cote, all facing charges tied to the same criminal network.
The fallout has shaken Central Florida’s law enforcement ranks. Governor Ron DeSantis quickly suspended Lopez and appointed Florida Highway Patrol Central Region Chief Christopher Blackmon as interim sheriff, citing Blackmon’s 35 years of law enforcement experience.
Featured image: HSI Tampa via Twitter
