Nathaniel Robinson Pleads Guilty To Homeless Fund Theft

PHILADELPHIA – In a stunning betrayal of his charitable cause, former Chief Program Officer Nathaniel E. Robinson, 62, of Philadelphia, has pleaded guilty to embezzling funds intended for the homeless. The court heard today that Robinson diverted nearly $154,000 from SELF, Inc., where he served as the head of programs.

Between 2006 and 2010, Robinson used his corporate American Express card to charge a litany of personal expenses, including travel, car rentals, and entertainment tickets. The government’s allegations suggest that he discreetly reimbursed himself a mere $2,594.30 before his fraudulent scheme was exposed.

Robinson’s misuse of the corporate credit card included payments for trips to Alabama, Florida, and Maryland, along with personal shopping sprees at Walmart and Filene’s Basement. His brazen theft also extended to amusement park tickets and dining in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Today’s admission by Robinson confirms that he stole at least $5,000 of SELF’s funds for his own gain.

Sentencing is set for June 8, 2015, where U.S. District Court Judge Berle M. Schiller will decide Robinson’s fate. The former non-profit executive faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, full restitution, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine exceeding $250,000.

The investigation into Robinson’s theft was conducted by the FBI and the Philadelphia Office of the Inspector General. This probe was initiated following an anonymous tip to the Inspector General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Karen L. Grigsby is tasked with prosecuting this case.