Thomas Robinson, 23, a fraternity brother at Penn State University, was tasered and arrested in December 2024 after initially believing that police officers raiding his fraternity house were playing a prank on him. Court documents revealed that Robinson was allegedly selling cocaine from the Delta Upsilon house under the name 'T-Rob' and accepting payments through Venmo.
Details of the Drug Operation
During the search of the fraternity house, officers discovered eight grams of cocaine, eight ounces of marijuana, and hundreds of amphetamine pills. Robinson told investigators that his supplier was another fraternity member, Agostino Abbatiello, who belonged to Sigma Chi. According to court filings, Robinson and Abbatiello became partners in the drug operation in mid-2023.
At one point, Robinson is alleged to have purchased between $18,000 and $22,000 worth of cocaine from Abbatiello. The case has expanded to include 13 others charged in connection with the massive drug operation. Both fraternities involved have been suspended.
Additional Charges and Family Involvement
Also charged is Robinson's father, Paul, who is accused of attempting to conceal evidence and interfere with the investigation. According to KRCG, Paul Robinson has been charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension, and allegedly concealing evidence.
Robinson is scheduled to appear in court next month for a pretrial hearing. The investigation continues as authorities pursue the full scope of the drug trafficking network.
University Response
Andrea Dowhower, Penn State’s vice president of Student Affairs, issued a statement saying: 'We are horrified by these serious allegations against current and former students. Criminal activity, including hazing, such as this has no place at our institution, and we will cooperate with law enforcement in any way we can. We will continue to enhance our efforts around health and safety and hazing educational efforts for all our organisations.'
