Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Happy Valley Jam | Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
One of the alleged Penn State drug dealers thought his arrest was a prank
Thomas Robinson, one of the Penn State fraternity brothers who have been arrested in connection with a cocaine trafficking ring, thought his fraternity brothers were pranking him when he was taken into custody. He ended up getting tased as a result.
The fraternity was allegedly sourcing the cocaine by making trips to Philadelphia and New York City before selling it on the Penn State Campus in State College, Pennsylvania. In total, 14 people were arrested in connection with the illegal operation.
According to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Thomas Robinson — the 23-year-old Penn State student and Delta Upsilon fraternity member accused of running a cocaine trafficking ring out of off-campus fraternity houses from 2023 to 2024 — resisted his arrest because he thought he was being pranked.
A Penn State frat member accused of running a cocaine trafficking ring thought his arrest was a prank and had to be tased
Authorities say they were able to identify Robinson after an informant reported in September 2024 that he was accepting payments for the drugs on Venmo under his real name.
“When he was arrested in December 2024, Thomas Robinson allegedly repeatedly told officers, ‘I’m gonna f— you up,’ according to the probable cause affidavit.”
“He was subdued with a Taser and as he was being escorted out of the frat house, he told officers he thought he was being pranked by his frat brothers, the outlet reported shortly after his arrest.” [via People]
Robinson’s father Paul, an attorney, was also arrested for evidence tampering — allegedly attempting to help his son after learning of the investigation.
Both the Delta Upsilon chapter Robinson belonged to and the Sigma Chi chapter at Penn State are facing sanctions, suspensions, and member expulsions.
Robinson — who reportedly cooperated with authorities and posted bail after his arrest — is facing charges of felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, and related offenses.