Pittsburgh Attorney Paul Robinson Charged in Suspected Penn State Cocaine Ring

 

A 59-year-old Pittsburgh-area attorney has been charged in connection with an alleged cocaine trafficking operation involving members of two fraternities at Pennsylvania State University, according to Pennsylvania authorities.

Paul R. Robinson, of Churchill, is the only person charged in the investigation who is not a Penn State student, according to the report.

Robinson is a managing attorney and equity member of Meyer, Darragh, Buckler, Bebenek & Eck, PLLC, a Pittsburgh law firm headquartered in the U.S. Steel Tower.

Authorities allege that Robinson became involved in the investigation because of his

connection to his son, Thomas Michael Robinson, who investigators have described as a suspected leader of the alleged cocaine operation.

The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Who Is Paul R. Robinson?

Paul Robinson, 59, is an experienced Pittsburgh-area attorney who has practiced law for more than three decades.

According to his professional biography, Robinson is originally from New Castle, Pennsylvania.

He studied criminal justice at Edinboro University before earning his law degree from the New England School of Law in Boston.

During law school, he served as editor-in-chief of the New England Journal on Criminal and Civil Confinement.

Robinson began working with Meyer Darragh as a summer clerk in 1991 and joined the firm after graduating in 1992.

He became a partner in 1997 and later became an equity member of the firm.

His professional work includes product liability and transportation law.

His Son Is Also Facing Drug Charges

Robinson's son, Thomas Michael Robinson, 23, of Churchill, has been identified by investigators as a suspected leader of the alleged cocaine network.

According to authorities, Thomas Robinson had previously been arrested in December 2024 on several drug-related charges.

Those charges reportedly included drug manufacturing and delivery, criminal use of a communication facility, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Investigators say he later cooperated with authorities.

According to the criminal complaint, Thomas Robinson identified Agostino Abbatiello, 24, of Westbury, New York, as his alleged cocaine supplier.

Abbatiello has reportedly been described by Penn State students as one of the largest cocaine distributors at the university.

What Is Paul Robinson Accused Of?

According to Pennsylvania authorities, Paul Robinson faces felony charges related to allegedly interfering with the investigation.

Officials accuse him of tampering with evidence and hindering apprehension, along with obstruction-related allegations.

Authorities allege that Robinson took steps to conceal evidence, including a safe that allegedly contained drugs and cash.

The charges stem from the broader investigation into the suspected cocaine distribution network connected to Penn State fraternities.

Pennsylvania Officials Detail Alleged Fraternity Drug Operation

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said investigators believe cocaine was primarily packaged at fraternity houses located off Penn State's campus.

Authorities filed charges against 14 suspects in connection with the investigation.

According to the attorney general, investigators found evidence suggesting that fraternity members and pledges were involved in preparing cocaine for distribution.

Sunday said investigators identified what they described as a pattern in which cutting and packaging cocaine became part of the initiation process for some fraternity pledges.

The allegations involve the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternities.

Alleged Cocaine Packaging at Fraternity Houses

According to the criminal complaint, investigators believe cocaine was prepared and packaged at fraternity properties.

Authorities allege that fraternity members participated in the process and that some pledges were introduced to the activity as part of their initiation.

The investigation has raised questions about drug distribution within college social organizations and the potential involvement of both students and people outside the university community.

Investigation Leads to Multiple Charges

The investigation has reportedly resulted in charges against 14 people.

Paul Robinson's case is distinct from those involving the student suspects because prosecutors allege that his involvement centered on actions taken to conceal evidence and interfere with investigators.

His professional background as a practicing attorney has also drawn attention to the case.

However, the specific allegations against each defendant differ, and accusations against one individual should not automatically be attributed to others named in the broader investigation.

Law Firm Does Not Comment

Robinson and his law firm, Meyer Darragh, reportedly did not respond to multiple requests for comment regarding the charges.

The absence of a response does not establish guilt or wrongdoing.

As the case proceeds, additional court filings could provide more information about the evidence prosecutors intend to present and the defense's response to the allegations.

What Happens Next?

The criminal proceedings will determine whether the allegations against Robinson can be proven in court.

For now, authorities allege that he took steps to conceal evidence connected to his son's suspected involvement in the larger drug investigation.

The case also highlights the expanding scope of the Penn State investigation, which authorities say involves alleged cocaine distribution connected to fraternity members and individuals outside the student population.