Magic Shop Conjures Up Drug Deals, Police Say

Police said shop repeatedly sold cocaine and marijuana to undercover officers

Police said a Long Island magic shop that helped inspire a young Criss Angel has recently been peddling drugs along with illusions.

Nassau County police searched The Magic Shop in Hicksville Saturday and arrested owner Philip Piacentini and a woman who lives with him, Danielle Lazaroff.

Police said the two repeatedly sold cocaine and marijuana to undercover officers at the store in the last five weeks.

The 58-year-old Piacentini and 39-year-old Lazaroff were arrested on drug sale and other charges. Information on their arraignments and legal representation was not immediately available Sunday evening.

No one immediately responded to messages left at possible phone numbers for them.

The star of "Criss Angel Mindfreak" grew up nearby and told Newsday in 2005 that the store was the first magic shop he ever went to.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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