Nassau police: Traffic stop leads police to business owner’s drugs, firearms

<p>Nassau police seized tens of thousands of dollars in drugs, cash and firearms in a drug bust Wednesday in an investigation that followed a traffic stop on Route 107 in Hicksville.&nbsp;</p>

News 12 Staff

Dec 6, 2017, 10:43 PM

Updated 2,331 days ago

Share:

Nassau police seized tens of thousands of dollars in drugs, cash and firearms in a drug bust Wednesday in an investigation that followed a traffic stop on Route 107 in Hicksville.
Authorities say officers stopped Jason Depietto for allegedly driving over the double yellow lines. Police say they smelled marijuana in his car and saw drug paraphernalia.
After they searched his car, they questioned him and searched the Massapequa home he shares with his parents. They also searched a business he owns called Hemp Smarts, where they say they found LSD, marijuana, marijuana-based wax, hallucinogenic mushrooms, pills and other drugs. 
In addition to the drugs, they say they found a bulletproof vest, an expandable baton, an unregistered AR-15 with four high-capacity magazines and other firearms.
Depietto's mother tells News 12 that she was away at the time of the raid and knew nothing about the incident.
"He's really sweet, a real nice guy," says Michelle Randazzo, a neighbor of the Depiettos. "They're awesome neighbors. I would never have even guessed for a second."
Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder says the bust will keep drugs out of teens' hands.
"We have to engage with these kids with the vape pipes," Ryder says. "They're onto the liquid marijuana, next you're doing pills, and you're onto heroin. And once you're in, you ain't getting out of the heroin game."
Depietto faces numerous charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a weapon. He's scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday.


More from News 12
1:35
NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

1:45
Sunny, cool and breezy with temperatures in the upper-50s for NYC

Sunny, cool and breezy with temperatures in the upper-50s for NYC

2:02
Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

1:53
Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:05
Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

1:54
Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

0:19
NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

2:07
Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

2:04
Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

1:47
Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

1:46
NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

2:25
Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

1:42
New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

1:35
The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

1:59
NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

1:14
Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

1:35
New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

1:04
DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

0:20
MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels