Man charged in Penn State cocaine trafficking case thought 2024 arrest was fraternity prank: Court doc
One of the alleged "main suppliers" charged in the Penn State University cocaine trafficking case went by the nickname "T-Rob" and was so surprised when police officers showed up at the Delta Upsilon house to arrest him back in 2024 that "he thought the officers were his fraternity brothers playing a prank on him," according to a probable cause affidavit.
Thomas Robinson is among 14 people charged in an alleged cocaine-trafficking operation involving current and former students and two fraternities, the Pennsylvania attorney general's office announced this week.
Robinson, who was a student at Penn State until 2026, was charged with felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and related offenses, according to the attorney general's office.
The allegations stem from 2023 and 2024, Penn State said, adding that both fraternities operate off campus.
According to a 2024 criminal complaint obtained by ABC News, a confidential informant tipped off authorities "that a male, using the nickname 'T-Rob,' is selling large amounts of cocaine from the Delta Upsilon Fraternity House."
Robinson allegedly accepted payment for the cocaine via Venmo using his own name, according to the complaint.
The informant allegedly made multiple drug buys from Robinson, at least once following Robinson to his room at the frat house, "which had the number '18' displayed beside the yellow room door," the complaint said.
On Dec. 13, 2024, officers found Robinson alone on his bed and as they tried to place him in handcuffs, he allegedly resisted, hiding his hands under his body and telling the officers, "I'm gonna ---- you up," the complaint said.
Officers tasered Robinson before placing him in handcuffs, according to the complaint.
"After he was handcuffed and officers were escorting him out of the room, Thomas Robinson stated he thought the officers were his fraternity brothers playing a prank on him," the complaint said.
Robinson allegedly purchased large quantities of cocaine from a student in a different fraternity, Agostino Abbatiello, 24, who was charged with multiple counts of possession with intent to deliver and conspiracy.
Investigators allege that Abbatiello and Robinson were the main suppliers for the criminal organization, making regular trips to Philadelphia and New York for large quantities of cocaine.
The cocaine was then allegedly cut and packaged -- primarily at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses -- and distributed mainly to Penn State University students, according to the Pennsylvania attorney general's office.
"We are pleased to report that the most significant members of this cocaine-trafficking organization are accounted for, and will have their fair process in court," Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said in a statement.
ABC News reached out to Robinson's attorney for comment but has not yet received a response.
Robinson's father, Paul Robinson, was also among those charged in the case, the attorney general said. He faces felony tampering, hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash, and obstructing the investigation.
