The drama around Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez just took a new turn — his estranged wife, Robin Lynn Severance Lopez, has been arrested amid allegations tied to a massive illegal gambling operation in Florida.
Authorities say she played a role in laundering hundreds of thousands of dollars connected to the scandal.
Sheriff Marcos Lopez Faces Serious Charges for Running Illegal Gambling Ring
Earlier this month, Sheriff Marcos Lopez, 55, was taken into custody.
Prosecutors accuse him of running an illegal gambling ring that allegedly brought in more than $21 million in dirty money.
He faces two serious felony charges — racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering — and he’s been held without bond since his arrest.
Robin Severance Lopez Booked on Money Laundering Charges
Just four weeks after Marcos was arrested, Robin, 50, was swept up in the investigation.
She was charged with conspiracy to invest proceeds from racketeering and was held on a $400,000 bond.
During her first court appearance, she appeared shocked when the judge refused to lower her bond to $50,000.
Defense Argues Robin Was Unaware and Didn’t Benefit Financially
Robin’s defense attorney insisted there’s no proof she gained financially from her estranged husband’s alleged crimes.
She argued Robin didn’t receive any illegal funds and that the state must verify any bail money comes from legal sources.
Despite this, prosecutors argue Robin actively helped move illicit money and facilitated payments to Marcos — totaling an estimated $600,000 to $700,000.
Discrepancies Between Reported Income and Bank Account Raise Eyebrows
While Robin claimed to make just $1,300 a month at a part-time job, investigators found a surprising $123,000 in her bank account.
Prosecutors pointed out that her financial resources don’t add up with her reported income or any legitimate business ventures.
Bank deposits totaling nearly $180,000 were also discovered shortly after Marcos’s arrest in early June.
Defense Pushes Back, Saying Charges Stem From a Single Document
Robin’s lawyer argued that the case against her mainly rests on a single W-2 form sent to one of the co-defendants years ago.
The defense maintains this was an isolated event and denies that Robin knowingly joined any criminal activity.
They also emphasized that conspiracy charges require proof of intent to commit multiple criminal acts, which they say hasn’t been established here.
Relationship Status and Bail Attempts Add Complexity to the Case
Even though Robin and Marcos have been separated since 2019 and have a pending divorce since 2023, prosecutors say she tried to help pay his $1 million bail.
Her defense counters that helping with bail doesn’t make her a criminal partner.
They stressed that Robin and Marcos remain in contact because they share a 15-year-old daughter and co-parent together.
Unclear How Much Robin Knew About the Gambling Operation
It’s still unknown whether Robin fully understood the scope of the illegal gambling business or was pressured into involvement.
Prosecutors have not clarified the nature of her communication with the other suspects.
Conditions for Release Include GPS Monitoring and No Contact with Marcos
If Robin is released on bond, she’ll have to wear a GPS monitor, hand over her passport and any firearms within 24 hours, and stay away from her estranged husband.
She’s due back in court on July 21.
From Historic Sheriff to Alleged Crime Boss
Marcos Lopez’s fall from grace has shocked many.
Once celebrated as Osceola County’s first Hispanic sheriff, his career began with promise.
Born in Chicago and raised in Central Florida, he joined the sheriff’s office in 2003 while serving in the Navy Reserve, eventually earning a criminal justice degree and climbing the ranks to sheriff in 2021.
More Trouble Beyond Gambling Allegations
Marcos was re-elected in 2024, but soon after, investigations into his alleged criminal empire started.
Authorities say his illegal operation ran lotteries and slot machines across Lake and Osceola Counties, with Lopez protecting and promoting the enterprise.
On top of this, earlier this year, Marcos and four deputies faced a civil lawsuit after a man suffered severe burns during a police incident in 2022.