A Pittsburgh attorney was charged alongside 13 Pennsylvania State University students, including his son, in connection to a cocaine drug trafficking operation that the state attorney says was conducted by fraternity members.
On Aug. 17, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said at a press conference that 14 people had been charged after his office investigated drug trafficking that occurred at the school in 2023 and 2024. Those arrested included Paul Robinson, a Pittsburgh-based attorney and the father of Thomas Robinson, one of the leaders of the operation.
Here’s what to know.
Pittsburgh attorney charged in Penn State cocaine trafficking ring
Paul Robinson, a Pittsburgh attorney and the father of Thomas M. Robinson, one of the two alleged leaders of the operation who was previously charged with drug dealing in December 2024, was the only non-student to face charges on Aug. 17.
During the Aug. 17 press conference, Sunday said Robinson “took steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash, and obstruct this investigation.” He was charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence and obstructing the investigation, according to a press release from Sunday’s office.
Former students charged in cocaine trafficking ring at Penn State
Cocaine trafficking took place in 2023 and 2024 and involved cutting and packaging large amounts of cocaine, primarily at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses, Sunday said, noting that there was no evidence that drug packaging occurred on Penn State campus. The drug dealing was “largely from friend to friend, fraternity brother to fraternity brother, acquaintance to acquaintance, at fraternity houses or during parties or social engagements,” Sunday said.
None of the students are currently enrolled at the university, he said.
Sunday alleged that Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson were the main suppliers of cocaine and made regular trips to Philadelphia and New York to pick up the drugs.
The two, alongside Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat, were charged with felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and related offenses. Robert Zanolla was charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, as well as related misdemeanors. Eight other students were charged with misdemeanor counts of possession and paraphernalia.
Who is Pittsburgh attorney charged in cocaine trafficking ring?
Paul Robinson is an attorney at Meyer, Darragh, Buckler, Bebenek & Eck, PLLC headquartered in Pittsburgh, according to the firm’s website. His areas of practice include transportation, products of liability, commercial law, construction law and insurance litigation and coverage.
Robinson received his bachelor’s degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 1989 and his law degree from New England School of Law in 1992. He was admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania in 1992 and in West Virginia in 1993, according to the firm’s website. He is also admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Western and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania and Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.
Robinson is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Pennsylvania Defense Institution, Defense Research Institute and Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County. He is a life fellow of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and a delegate for Zone 12 of the Pennsylvania Bar Association House of Delegates.
In a statement to CBS News Pittsburgh, the law firm said it was aware of the charges filed against Robinson.
“The allegations concern Mr. Robinson individually and do not involve the Firm, its clients, or the legal services provided by the Firm,” the statement said. “The Firm is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the matter. Because the criminal proceeding is ongoing, the Firm will not comment on the substance of the allegations or speculate regarding the evidence.”
Finch Walker is the Pittsburgh Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Walker at FWalker@usatodayco.com. Instagram: @finchwalker_. X: @_finchwalker.