PROMINENT PITTSBURGH LAWYER CHARGED IN ALLEGED PENN STATE FRATERNITY COCAINE RING
PROMINENT PITTSBURGH LAWYER CHARGED IN ALLEGED PENN STATE FRATERNITY COCAINE RING
STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA — A major criminal investigation involving two Penn State fraternities has taken an unexpected turn after the father of one alleged ringleader was also charged in connection with the case.
Paul Robinson, a prominent Pittsburgh attorney and managing attorney at a local law firm, is accused of helping conceal evidence tied to an alleged cocaine-trafficking operation involving Penn State fraternity members.
14 PEOPLE CHARGED
Pennsylvania authorities have charged 14 people in the alleged operation, including current and former Penn State students and Robinson, who is the only parent charged in the case.
Prosecutors allege the operation was based around the Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon fraternity houses and involved cocaine being transported from New York and Philadelphia before being distributed primarily to students.
Authorities described the alleged operation as a coordinated and highly profitable drug-trafficking organization.
WHY THE LAWYER WAS CHARGED
Robinson’s son, Thomas Robinson, is accused of being one of the operation’s alleged leaders.
According to prosecutors, Paul Robinson faces felony charges related to tampering and hindering apprehension, with investigators alleging that he took steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash.
His law firm has said the allegations concern Robinson personally and do not involve the firm’s clients or legal services.
FRATERNITY HOUSES AT THE CENTER OF THE CASE
Prosecutors allege that fraternity pledges were involved in cutting and packaging cocaine as part of the operation.
Penn State has placed Delta Upsilon on interim suspension while an investigation continues. Officials have also said Sigma Chi is not currently under university oversight.
THE BIGGER INVESTIGATION
The case involves allegations stretching across multiple states and reportedly includes drug transactions conducted through cash and payment apps.
Another alleged ringleader, Agostino Abbatiello, surrendered to authorities Tuesday after initially missing a court appearance. Prosecutors have identified him as being at the top of the alleged organization.
Now investigators are looking not only at the alleged student drug network—but also at the adults who may have helped conceal evidence.
FROM LAW OFFICE TO COURTROOM
The case is drawing particular attention because one of the people charged is not a college student at all.
He is a 59-year-old Pittsburgh attorney accused of becoming involved after allegedly trying to protect his son from the investigation.
But those accusations will now have to be tested in court.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. ⚖️
