KISSIMMEE, Fla. ā Two employees have been fired from the Osceola County Sheriffās Office just four days since the now-suspended Sheriff Marcos Lopez was taken into custody on racketeering charges.
A spokesperson for the sheriff's office confirmed that former Executive Director Nirva Rodriguez, who worked closely with Lopez, and a former civilian employee Ruben DeJesus were terminated.
They did not say if these terminations are connected to the suspension and arrest of Lopez.
Rodriguez sent a statement to Spectrum News 13 following her termination:
āI am releasing this statement to address my recent termination from the Osceola County Sheriffās Office. I want to emphasize that my termination is a separate matter from the suspension of former Sheriff Marcos Lopez by the Governor of Florida. I have no knowledge of the allegations against the former sheriff, and I am not involved in that investigation.As an at-will employee, I understand that my employment can be terminated at any time without cause. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served the citizens of Osceola County, and I am proud of the good work that was accomplished during my time at the agency. I feel blessed to have been a part of the team and to have had the chance to make a positive impact in the community.
I appreciate the experience and wish the agency and its employees all the best in their future endeavors. God bless you all!ā
Lopez is still being held on a $1 million bond at Lake County jail. Lopez and one other suspect remain in custody, tied to the alleged illegal gambling operation. Lopez was taken into custody on Thursday and was immediately suspended by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
DeSantis appointed Christopher Blackmon to serve as the interim sheriff because of his extensive experience in law enforcement and with Florida Highway Patrol.
Spectrum News 13 has put in requests to the Osceola County Sheriffās Office to learn more information on what led up to the termination of Rodriguez and DeJesus.