BREAKING: A key figure in a major illegal gambling operation, Krishna Deokaran, is set to testify that he handed an envelope of cash directly to Robin Severance-Lopez, the estranged wife of former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez, on December 16, 2022. Deokaran claims he told her, “This is for Marco,” implicating the former sheriff in a corruption scheme surrounding the unauthorized The Eclipse casino in Kissimmee.
This revelation is part of a developing case that could have severe implications for Severance-Lopez, who recently rejected a plea deal related to conspiracy charges. The alleged cash hand-off reportedly occurred in the parking lot of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and was included in a bag of gifts, according to a discovery notice filed in Lake County court.
Deokaran’s testimony is alarming, as it suggests a direct link between Lopez and the illicit activities surrounding the casino, which prosecutors allege he protected in exchange for personal payments and campaign contributions. The cash is said to have originated from the casino’s proceeds, and the hand-off coincided with Lopez appointing Deokaran as a special deputy.
Authorities have been investigating the alleged gambling racket for years. In October, Deokaran faced money laundering charges related to his casino operations, which were raided and shut down by state and federal authorities. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges.
The stakes are high for Severance-Lopez, who now faces the possibility of up to 30 years in prison if convicted. Earlier this month, her attorney argued that the prosecution’s case relied heavily on a single email sent in 2019, suggesting a conspiracy involving her and another alleged co-conspirator, Ying Zhang. Severance-Lopez has maintained her innocence, insisting that a formal felony conviction was unacceptable.
The alleged cash hand-off raises troubling questions about the integrity of law enforcement in Osceola County. Prosecutors claim that Lopez had been involved in a complex scheme to expand gambling operations across multiple Central Florida counties, and the casino had been operating under his protection since he took office.
Deokaran’s role in this unfolding drama is crucial. Investigators say he became associated with Lopez three years prior to his election as sheriff, establishing a partnership that allegedly prioritized personal gain over public safety. The casino was reportedly chosen by Lopez himself, following a tragic shooting incident that occurred in the parking lot, which the sheriff leveraged to bolster the casino’s operations.
The complexities of this case are highlighted by the fact that Lopez’s special deputy status was meant to deputize civilians during emergencies but has been criticized as a reward for political allies. This raises further questions about the motivations behind the sheriff’s decisions and his relationship with Deokaran.
As the case progresses, all eyes will be on Severance-Lopez and her legal team as they navigate the challenges posed by the new evidence. The impending testimony from Deokaran is expected to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing investigation into corruption and racketeering in Osceola County.
Stay tuned for further developments on this explosive case that has captivated public interest and raised alarms about law enforcement accountability in Florida.
