LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – Attorneys for suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez were back in court Tuesday for a hearing tied to his illegal gambling case — this time to address a potential conflict of interest involving his defense counsel.
Prosecutors raised concerns after learning two state witnesses — both former Osceola County deputies — had previously been represented by attorneys at the same law firm as Lopez’s defense attorney, Migdalia Perez. Lopez’s defense team argued Perez did not personally represent either deputy, noting it was her law partner who handled the prior representation and has since withdrawn from at least one of those cases.
The two deputies at the center of the conflict inquiry are Douglas Ford and Kyle Henry, both of whom worked on Lopez’s personal protection detail.
Ford served as Lopez’s driver and was described as being close with the sheriff. Henry was assigned to a juvenile outreach program. Ford was arrested in July 2024 on felony charges unrelated to Lopez’s case, while Henry was arrested in August 2025.
Ford took the stand Tuesday, testifying that he shared confidential information with his attorney at Perez’s law firm. Ford also provided additional testimony in camera — behind closed doors — with the judge, all attorneys, and Lopez present.
Following a recess, the judge took testimony directly from Lopez and ultimately found no conflict of interest and ruled Lopez may continue with Perez as his attorney. A plea negotiation conference has been scheduled for May 19.
Lopez is awaiting trial after pleading not guilty to racketeering charges tied to what prosecutors say was a multimillion-dollar illegal gambling network centered on arcades and casinos in Lake and Osceola counties.
Prosecutors say Lopez used his influence as sheriff to collect more than $600,000 while operating a gaming room that housed slot machines and illegal equipment.
Lopez’s estranged wife, Robin Severance Lopez, and several other co-defendants have already entered plea agreements in the case.