Robert Van Winkle, also known as Vanilla Ice in the music industry, was arrested in connection with a residential burglary that occurred sometime during December 2014 and February 2015, according to Lantana Police.
Police say Van Winkle played a role in the burglary and theft from a residence in the 100 block of North Atlantic Drive. He is currently renovating a home adjacent to the property in which the items were stolen, police said. Van Winkle voluntarily met with Lantana police detectives to provide a sworn statement.
According to police, furniture, a pool heater, bicycles and other items were taken from a home that is in the process of foreclosure.
A search warrant obtained for a property under Van Winkle’s care uncovered several of the stolen items, police said. Van Winkle voluntarily met with Lantana police detectives to provide a sworn statement.
He was taken into custody and charged with burglary of a residence and grand theft. Van Winkle was released from the Palm Beach County Jail Wednesday night on $6,000 bail.
Van Winkle, who rose to fame in the early 1990s with his song “Ice Ice Baby,” lives in Wellington and has been active in a number of community events in recent years. For several years, he has been the headliner for the Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s WinterFest event at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. He also hosted the ninth annual Vanilla Ice Block Party in Palm Beach Gardens, to benefit local charities Little Smiles and Toys For Tots.
In recent years, Van Winkle has also starred on the DIY Network reality television series the “Vanilla Ice Project,” where he and a crew refurbish foreclosed or distressed homes around Palm Beach County.
A spokeswoman released a statement Wednesday saying the network “has been made aware of this situation and is currently looking into the matter.”
Kevin Rolston, a radio personality for WRMF 97.9, has been involved in Van Winkle’s holiday block party.
“Like a lot of people, I am watching this story closely, and look forward to getting all the details before I react,” he said in an email Wednesday evening.
