No Jail Time for Vanilla Ice in Florida Grand Theft Case

Robert Van Winkle, better known to the world as rapper Vanilla Ice, won’t have to serve jail time following a February arrest on burglary and grand theft charges.

The celebrity accepted a plea deal Thursday that will enable him to serve 100 hours of community service and pay out more than $1,000 in restitution in exchange for the charges against him being dropped, Fox News is reporting.

The case against Van Winkle unfolded in February when the owner of a home in the 100 block of North Atlantic Drive in Lantana reported a number of items missing. It seems furniture, bicycles and a pool heater were swiped from the vacant property.

An investigation into the theft led deputies to Van Winkle’s door. Several items reported stolen were recovered from the home that was under his care, authorities noted at the time.

See Also:

• Rapper Vanilla Ice Charged in Florida Burglary
• Watch: Shoplifter Stuffs Chainsaw Down His Pants

“I’m glad to have this behind me,” Fox quoted Van Winkle as saying Thursday.

Van Winkle’s rap career soared in the 1990s on such hits as “Ice Ice Baby” and “Play That Funky Music.” He is now the host of the show “ The Vanilla Ice Project” on the DIY Network where he and a crew fix up and flip homes.

According to the show’s website, Van Winkle’s crew is currently working to rehabilitate a “run-down south Florida mansion.”

Palm Beach County booking photo

Keep up with what’s happening around town and the state by signing up for your favorite Patch daily newsletter: Bloomingdale-Riverview, Bradenton, Brandon, Carrollwood-Northdale, Clearwater, Dunedin, East Lake, Gulfport, Land O’ Lakes, Largo, Lutz, New Port Richey, New Tampa, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Beaches, Safety Harbor, Sarasota, Seminole Heights, South Tampa-Hyde Park, St. Pete, Tarpon Springs, Temple Terrace, Westchase.