Basile police department arrests ‘ice cream man’ on drug charges

The delightful tinkling music of a neighborhood ice cream truck usually brings delightful smiles, smacking lips, and great joy to young and old alike. On March 20, however, the tune and taste turned sour as the Basile Police Department arrested Kirk James Robinson (age 48) of Arnaudville, the owner and operator of the ice cream van that has been driving up and down the streets of Basile and other communities for the past several years.
According to Basile Police Chief Allen Ivory, Jr., the local police had previously received information that Robinson was selling illegal drugs from the ice cream van and had been arrested on December 31, 2020, by the Henderson Police Department on several drug related offenses and had been under investigation for stalking and making threats on Henderson police officers.
The March 20 arrest of
Robinson in Basile was the result of a traffic stop by Sergeant A. Frank who discovered drug paraphernalia in plain view inside the truck. Upon further investigation, Frank found crystal methamphetamine in the vehicle.
Robinson was charged with distribution/manufacture with intent to distribute Schedule II drugs (crystal meth), transaction involving proceeds from drug sales, violation of a drug free zone, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He had been under investigation by several other agencies and held an occupational license at each location. His occupational license in the town of Basile, however, had expired in December, 2021.
According to the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Department, Robinson was booked on March 21 and bond was set at $25,000.
Chief Ivory said, “As always, the Basile Police Department wants to encourage citizens to report any and all illegal activities.”