UPDATE: Urgent revelations emerge as Krishna Deokaran, a key figure in a multi-county illegal gambling operation, is set to testify that he handed over an envelope of cash to Robin Severance-Lopez, the estranged wife of former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez, on December 16, 2022. Deokaran claims he told Severance-Lopez, “This is for Marco,” during the alleged cash transfer, raising serious legal implications for both her and her husband.
This shocking testimony was disclosed in a discovery notice filed in Lake County court and could drastically affect Severance-Lopez’s defense strategy. She recently rejected a plea deal that would have settled her charges of conspiracy to commit racketeering and lying to a judge. Her attorney argued that the prosecution’s case largely relies on a single email from 2019, casting doubt on the strength of their claims.
According to Deokaran, the cash originated from The Eclipse casino, which Lopez allegedly protected in exchange for personal payments and campaign contributions. This handoff reportedly occurred in the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office parking lot, hidden within a bag of gifts. Notably, this occurred on the same day Lopez appointed Deokaran as a special deputy.
The implications of this testimony could be monumental, as Severance-Lopez faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted. Her husband, Marcos Lopez, is also in hot water, facing a potential 60 years behind bars for additional racketeering charges. Both have pleaded not guilty amid this growing scandal.
Deokaran, who previously owned multiple casinos that were raided by state and federal authorities, is charged with money laundering linked to the gambling enterprise but has not been indicted in connection with the racketeering case. Investigators assert that his business relationship with Lopez began three years before Lopez became sheriff, aiming to expand their gambling operations across Central Florida.
The casino, located in Kissimmee, was the only one officially opened in Osceola County as part of this illicit network. Lopez allegedly facilitated the operation after making connections with Deokaran and another alleged co-conspirator, Ying Zhang, a realtor-turned-fugitive. The Eclipse was chosen as a prime site after a tragic shooting, which Lopez reportedly leveraged to increase its profitability.
As the investigation intensifies, the legal landscape for both Severance-Lopez and her husband becomes increasingly precarious. Their lawyer, Michelle Yard, had initially expressed confidence that the prosecution’s case relied heavily on flimsy evidence. However, if Deokaran’s testimony holds, the defense may face significant challenges moving forward.
The hand-off and subsequent allegations come at a time when public scrutiny of law enforcement is heightened. The intertwining of politics, cash, and crime poses serious questions about accountability and ethics within the sheriff’s office.
As of now, the next steps in the legal proceedings will be crucial. The testimony from Deokaran is expected to shed light on the deeper connections between these figures and the shadowy world of illegal gambling operations. The public will be watching closely as this urgent case develops, with potential ramifications for all involved.
This ongoing saga highlights the intersection of crime, politics, and personal relationships, reminding us of the human impact behind the headlines. Both Severance-Lopez and Lopez remain in a precarious position as they navigate the fallout from these serious allegations.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
