Date Published: September 16, 2025, 06:56h.
Last Updated: September 16, 2025, 06:56h.
- Emoji Texts Used as Evidence in Gambling Case
- Lopez Allegedly Received Large Kickbacks
- Eclipse Social Club Subject to Raid in Illegal Gaming Investigation
The former Sheriff of Osceola County, Florida, Marcos Lopez, who was removed from his position in June following his arrest on illegal gambling allegations, may face consequences due to his use of emojis, according to state prosecutors.
Lopez, aged 56, was arrested in June for charges related to racketeering and conspiracy as a part of his alleged engagement with a multimillion-dollar gambling operation.
Prosecutors allege he played a “complex role” in promoting and safeguarding a system of unlicensed “internet cafés” in Central Florida, which reportedly generated sales exceeding $21 million and involved extensive public corruption.
Slot Machines and Moneybag Emojis
Recent court documents have revealed that prosecutors referenced text messages allegedly sent by Lopez, which included slot machine and moneybag emojis. This suggests he was an active and enthusiastic participant in the alleged illegal activities.
The latest documents, noted by WKMG and various local news sources, indicate that Lopez’s connections to Florida’s underground gambling scene originated in 2019 during his sheriff campaign, where he met businessman Krishna “Kris” Deokaran.
According to court records, Deokaran, who has not faced charges, operated gaming establishments in Lake and Osceola Counties, and he stated he befriended Lopez, contributing $5,000 to his campaign.
Envelopes Full of Cash
Also implicated in these documents is Ying “Kate” Zhang, a businesswoman from Kissimmee, Florida, accused of importing slot machines from China. Prosecutors allege that Lopez assured Zhang of protection following his election, messaging her: “Kate, no need to worry … when I win, we’ll launch the first internet amusement café in Osceola County. You’re secure … as I will be your sheriff.”
Subsequently, Lopez facilitated a connection between Zhang and Deokaran. Their alliance led to the establishment of the Eclipse Social Club in Kissimmee, which in 2022 garnered revenue exceeding $21.6 million.
Lopez reportedly received between $600,000 and $700,000 in cash kickbacks, usually packaged in manila envelopes. It is claimed that Zhang paid him monthly sums of $4,000 to $6,000, as per the documents.
Following a deputy-led raid on a restaurant after a fatal shooting incident in 2021, Lopez allegedly informed Deokaran: “I have something for you … I shut that place down; it’s ours.”
The Eclipse Social Club was subsequently established at that location.
Manipulating the System
In another exchange from 2022, Deokaran communicated to Lopez about deputies arriving at the club and threatening closure.
Lopez reportedly replied, “Inform me if they say anything. You’ll have no problems.” Deokaran later confirmed that the deputies left without any further action.
The Eclipse continued its operations until August 2024 when a task force from the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation (MBI) conducted a raid.
Just 30 minutes prior, Lopez, who had been warned about the impending raid, contacted the MBI director to inquire whether state law explicitly prohibited internet cafés, an act deemed an attempt to preempt law enforcement measures.
Lopez has pleaded not guilty and is currently free on a $1 million bond. Following his arrest, Governor Ron DeSantis immediately suspended him from his position. If convicted, he faces the possibility of decades in prison.