Man accused of stalking Houston philanthropist apologizes about allegations made against him

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A man has been charged after he allegedly stalked a prominent Houstonian.

Robin Chiswell, 61, is accused of sending threatening letters to well-known Houston philanthropist Carolyn Farb for three decades.

"He took it to a low level, my son died in 2004 and he has been mentioning him, 'I'm glad he's dead', and obscenities and all types of terrible things," Farb said.

"He took it to a low level, my son died in 2004 and he has been mentioning him," said Philanthropist Carolyn Farb.

Farb spoke exclusively to Eyewitness News about Chiswell's arrest. For years, she says she has received letters with return addresses from places like the Houston Country Club or the Museum of Fine Arts Rienzi home.

"The letters were often threatening but also often insulting," said prosecutor Sam Knecht. "He would use profanity. Often the letter started off with a string of profanity. It even said 'F---you' in front of it. So very distinctive cardstock."

Chiswell has been charged with one count of felony stalking.

When Eyewitness News asked Chiswell about the allegations against him, he said "I'm sorry."

Houston police say they broke the case open a few months ago, and believe Chiswell is also responsible for sending a racist letter to former Texas A&M football coach Kevin Sumlin.

Chiswell's attorney says his client has worked at Houston area country clubs and was also a volunteer at the Rienzi, a building that is part of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. The MFAH also confirmed Chiswell was a volunteer but was told to leave in 2008.

"I don't believe my client is a bad person," said defense attorney Val Zuniga. "I think once all of the evidence comes and is evaluated, it's just going to be determined that he's a harmless old guy. As they say, he has a lot of piss and vinegar in his pen but I don't think his intent was to physically hurt anyone."

Now, both investigators and Farb hope other victims step forward.

"I'm hoping, that if there are people out there who have gotten a letter from anonymous writers, that they would have the courage to step forth and not let someone get away with this crime," Farb said.

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