Robin Severance-Lopez released from jail after posting bond in alleged illegal gambling charge
Estranged wife of suspended Osceola sheriff bonds out of jail
Robin Severance-Lopez, the estranged wife of suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez, was released from the Lake County Jail Monday evening after spending two weeks behind bars on a racketeering-related charge.
ORLANDO, Fla. - Robin Severance-Lopez, the estranged wife of suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez, walked out of the Lake County Jail on Monday evening, just a few hours after a judge gave clearance for her to post bond. She had been behind bars for several days following her arrest related to an alleged illegal gambling operation that reportedly generated millions of dollars over the years.
What we know:
She was initially granted a $400,000 bond, of which she would pay roughly 10% – or $40,000 — to a bail bondsman. However, the state requested at her first appearance that she prove the sourcing of the $400,000 to the court to ensure that all the funds were "clean," or not tied to the allegations against her.
Robin Severance-Lopez released from jail
Robin Severance-Lopez posted bond and walked out of jail days following her arrest related to an alleged illegal gambling operation.
During a bond hearing last week, there were questions about $20,000 in funding. On Monday, a judge removed that portion of the bond requirement, clearing Lopez to be released from jail, according to a note on the Lake County Clerk of Court's website.
Robin Lopez is appearing in court on Thursday.
Robin Lopez was arrested on June 23 and charged with conspiracy to invest proceeds from racketeering. Her arrest came weeks after Marcos Lopez was arrested on federal charges of conspiracy to commit racketeering and racketeering.
Who is Robin Severance-Lopez?
Dig deeper:
A spokesperson for the Osceola County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) confirmed to FOX 35 that Robin Severance-Lopez was a former employee of the agency. However, that spokesperson was unable to provide details such as her title with the agency nor how long she worked for the sheriff's office. FOX 35 was deferred to OCSO's Human Resources department.
It's not immediately clear when she started with OCSO, though her name appears in some court records as early as 2003, as reviewed by FOX 35 staff.
Marcos Lopez and Robin Lopez
Are they still married?
Online records show that Robin Lopez and Marcos Lopez were married in 2007 in St. Cloud. Robin Lopez filed for divorce on Sept. 11, 2023 in Brevard County Court. At the last check, it appeared that the matter was still working through the court system. A hearing was last held in April, online records show.
What is her alleged role in the gambling operation?
During a bond hearing, the prosecution shared details about Robin Lopez's alleged role and connection to the alleged gambling house at the center of the investigation.
"She helped to facilitate the movement of illicit money and receipt of illicit payments from other co-conspirators to Lopez, which is believed to have reached to be at least $600- to $700,000," said Assistant State Attorney Colleen Monroe.
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"The evidence against her, Your Honor, is compelling and in large part, irrefutable," she said, noting that the state has evidence including witness testimony, bank records, text messages and emails.
Deep dive into ex-Sheriff Marcos Lopez co-defendants
A third suspect, Sheldon Wetherholt, has been arrested on racketeering and conspiracy charges related to an illegal gambling operation tied to former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez, officials say. The scheme involved a social club in Kissimmee, allegedly run by Lopez and at least four others. FOX 35's Marie Edinger joins FOX 35 News+ to break down the latest with the illegal gambling investigation and the status of the reported 255-page affidavit set to be released upon the arrest of the fourth and final co-defendant in this case. Two other co-defendants have been arrested, with authorities still searching for the fourth, Ying Zhang.
The state alleged that even though Marcos and Robin Lopez were separated, Robin was allegedly trying to help come up with the $1 million bail for Marcos Lopez.
"The reality of that is that they have a child together, and they are co-parents," said Robin's defense attorney. "Ms. Severance Lopez is not a co-conspirator. She is a co-parent. Of course, she doesn't want the father of her child to remain in jail."
The Source: This story was written based on information gathered from the Lake County jail records as well as HSI Tampa. Additional details about Lopez's arrest and suspension were shared by the Federal Department of Justice (FDOJ), and the office of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.