Real Estate Marketing & Beyond
Robert Van Winkle, the former rapper known as “Vanilla Ice” who now renovates homes for the DIY Network, faces charges of burglary and grand theft of a Florida property that was in the process of foreclosure. He calls the charges a misunderstanding.
Lantana Police told reporters Wednesday that the charges stem from a burglary that occurred sometime between December 2014 and February 2015 on a $1 million home. Police say several furniture items, a pool heater, bicycles, and other items were taken from the home. Van Winkle was renovating the residence next to the property. The missing items were found at a residence that was under Van Winkle’s control, police say.
"It's a misunderstanding, it was blown out of proportion. It's sad that good news doesn't travel this fast," Van Winkle told reporters as he left the Palm Beach County Jail, shortly after being released on a $6,000 bond Wednesday. "It's just out of proportion and I wish you guys would focus on all the good things I've done. It'll all get cleared up, you'll see."
Van Winkle, well-known rapper in the 1990s, is now the host of the DIY Network’s “The Vanilla Ice Project,” where he renovates homes.
The real estate broker Jim Lovely of the home told reporters he’s not angry, but “whoever it is, why would you jeopardize going to jail for basically junk? It was just worthless furniture and some items so it doesn't make much sense. The house wasn't full of Picassos, so it wasn't a high-dollar heist, so it's just the principal of having to secure the place two and three times.”
The stolen property has since been returned to the family.
