Multi-agency raid in High Springs results in drug and firearm charges after 2-hour stand-off

STAFF REPORT

HIGH SPRINGS, Fla. – Anthony Stephen Rizzotto, 38, was arrested yesterday after a multi-agency task force served a search warrant at his home in High Springs and reportedly found drugs and firearms.

At about 7:45 a.m. yesterday, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ASO), and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued a search warrant at Rizzotto’s home on NW 240th Street in High Springs.

After the ASO SWAT team made announcements for about 30 minutes, Rizzotto’s girlfriend reportedly came out and said Rizzotto was inside the residence and was awake. He came out after another two hours of announcements and other SWAT tactics.

Post Miranda, Rizzotto reportedly gave agents the combination to a safe in his bedroom and said there were guns in the safe. Agents reportedly seized two pistols and a magazine drum that held 5.56 mm rounds. A World War II-era Sten submachine gun and a .22 rifle were also reportedly found in his bedroom. Rizzotto is a convicted felon who cannot legally possess firearms.

Agents also reportedly found 2.1 grams of methamphetamine on his nightstand and an empty plastic bag in the bathroom. Rizzotto reportedly admitted that he dumped about an ounce of methamphetamine down the drain in the sink. When agents asked where his phone was, Rizzotto reportedly said it was under the mattress of the bed and that he had “wiped it.” He later clarified that he “reset” it.

Rizzotto has been charged with maintaining a drug dwelling, possession of methamphetamine, possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, and tampering with evidence. He also had a warrant for failure to appear at a hearing on charges of driving without a valid license and attaching a license plate to a different vehicle than the one it was assigned to. Rizzotto has a juvenile history and a federal conviction; he has one state felony conviction and five misdemeanor convictions (one violent) and served a two-year state prison sentence for racketeering with his release in 2013. Judge Walter Green set bail at $25,000.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.