Ex-Sheriff’s Co-Defendants Plead in Multi-County Gambling Case

The legal noose tightens around suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez, as two more of his co-defendants recently entered plea deals in the sprawling illegal gambling case tied to his tenure. In a Lake County courtroom, Sheldon Wetherholt opted for a no-contest plea to racketeering and conspiracy charges, while Sharon Fedrick chose to plead guilty to the same offenses. These decisions come on the heels of Carol Cote admitting her guilt and agreeing to assist the investigators. Cote, who meticulously kept the financial records for the shady operation, could face up to a year in county jail depending on her cooperation.

Wetherholt’s plea agreement suggests a potential county jail term ranging from three to twelve months, though the final sentence lies in the judge’s hands. Fedrick, however, faces a potentially harsher penalty, with state prosecutors advocating for a prison term of three to five years. Both individuals could see sentences extending up to thirty years in prison, as reported by the Orlando Sentinel. Cote’s earlier guilty plea on October 6 underscores her pivotal role in keeping the operation’s financial trail and later handing over the records to the authorities despite directives to discard them.

Wetherholt’s plea agreement suggests a potential county jail term ranging from three to twelve months, though the final sentence lies in the judge’s hands. Fedrick, however, faces a potentially harsher penalty, with state prosecutors advocating for a prison term of three to five years. Both individuals could see sentences extending up to thirty years in prison, as reported by the Orlando Sentinel. Cote’s earlier guilty plea on October 6 underscores her pivotal role in keeping the operation’s financial trail and later handing over the records to the authorities despite directives to discard them.

Law enforcement documents reveal that the illicit gambling ring operated under various business facades across Sumter, Marion, Lake, and Osceola counties. Prosecutors contend that Lopez, a deputy at the time running for sheriff, facilitated connections between business owner Krishna Deokaran and other accomplices to set up illegal game rooms featuring slot-style machines and “fish tables,” both prohibited in Florida. After his election triumph, Lopez allegedly used his newfound power to shield these unlawful establishments from police raids and scrutiny. The operation’s main site was The Eclipse in Kissimmee, where it’s claimed the group generated substantial profits under Lopez’s protection.

Wetherholt, linked to several companies in the operation, told