Last Thursday, December 19th, there was quite a bit of activity on Bennett St. in Auburndale as members of the HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Task Force, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Auburndale PD, PCSO Organized Crime Unit, and the Violent Gang Investigative Task Force (VGITF) served a search warrant at the home of Nichole Rizzo. Detectives began investigating her in July after receiving tips that she was coordinating heroin & fentanyl sales. Methamphetamines, digital scales with drug residue, and multiple meth pipes were found during the search.
Auburndale Code Compliance was called to inspect the residence, which they deemed uninhabitable. In addition to Nichole, nine other suspects (4 are Nichole’s adult children) were arrested – seven for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia; and Stacy Vondrasek and Deanna Olin were arrested for resisting. Jacob Rizzo was also charged with tampering with evidence (a big no-no).
“We appreciate the tips we get from the citizens in our community to help us shut down drug houses and illegal drug activity. If you see something, say something. Through Heartland Crime Stoppers you will remain completely anonymous – visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com or download the free mobile app. As for these drug users and drug dealers – they’ll be spending Christmas in Gradytown.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
