JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A family of four was arrested Wednesday after a drug bust at their Oceanway home revealed five children were living in filthy and unsafe conditions, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said.
Four adults of the Rickoff family, ranging in age from 28 to 64, are facing a variety of charges:
- Louis Rickoff Sr., 64, is charged with child neglect.
- Lana Rickoff, 61, is charged with child neglect.
- Louis Rickoff Jr., 31, is charged with child neglect, selling cocaine and selling heroin.
- Glenda Rickoff, 28, is charged with child neglect, cocaine possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to arrest reports, the JSO Narcotics Team raided the house on Parkway Boulevard and found that "animal feces could be found on the floor of almost every room" and power cords with exposed wires running to campers "from the power pole," not far from kiddie pools.
The children were taken from the home by the Department of Children and Family Services.
Investigators also said Animal Control was called to remove 11 cats and dogs from the property.
News4Jax found that the community surrounding the home is full of kids. Richard Klimgaman, who lives a couple of miles away, said he's not surprised that the incident happened in Oceanway.
"Since I have been up here, there seems to be a lot more crime, a lot more drug use," Klimgaman said.
Klimgaman hopes to see a change soon.
"What needs to be done? I don't know, I think maybe I see police all the time," Klimgaman said. "There is a police presence, but maybe some community organization to some sort to come together and try to fix it.
Just one month ago, News4Jax reported on a meth bust in the same general area.
According to the JSO crime-mapping website, there have been five burglaries and thefts reported within a half-mile of the neighborhood since November.