Ice Cream Licker Identified, Teen Will Not Face Adult Charges

The San Antonio girl whose gone viral this past week for licking a tub of Blue Bell ice cream and putting it back in a store freezer has been identified as a minor. Police will not issue adult charges.

The Lufkin Police Department said the juvenile suspect’s identity has not been released and the case is being turned over to the juvenile courts. Mark Gorman, the director of the juvenile probation department in the girl’s home county, Angelina County, says they are aware of the case and will work with Lufkin PD to resolve the issue.

Gorman added the girl could possibly be arrested and prosecuted by San Antonio area authorities. Blue Bell Creameries identified the store as a Walmart in Lufkin. Following the incident, the company said it would be taking better safety measures to protect its packaging. “We are always looking for ways to improve, including looking at methods within our manufacturing process to add additional protection to the carton.”

After police identified the suspect, Blue Bell added, “This case is now in the hands of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department to pursue however it deems appropriate.” Lufkin PD was initially ready to press felony charge against the girl, which would give her up to 20 years in prison.

However, Gorman says she could still face a felony count, but prosecutors could reduce the charge since she is a juvenile. While investigators have narrowed the suspects down to around six possible females, they are struggling with confirming her identity. According to ABC 7 New York, police say the girl is connected to the Lufkin area through her boyfriend’s family. Lufkin PD is currently discussing with prosecutors on whether the boyfriend should face charges.