Prominent Pittsburgh Lawyer Charged in Penn State Fraternity Cocaine Trafficking Case

A prominent Pittsburgh attorney has been drawn into a sprawling drug-trafficking case involving current and former Penn State fraternity members, with prosecutors alleging that he tried to conceal evidence connected to an operation in which his son is accused of playing a leading role.

Paul Robinson, a managing attorney at Meyer, Darragh, Buckler, Bebeneck & Eck, faces felony charges of tampering and hindering apprehension. Pennsylvania prosecutors allege that he took steps to hide evidence tied to the investigation, including a safe containing cash and drugs, and obstructed authorities as they investigated the alleged trafficking network.

His son, Thomas Robinson, and 24-year-old Agostino Abbatiello are described by prosecutors as the alleged ringleaders of the operation. In total, 14 people have been charged.

Prosecutors Describe a Multi-State Operation

Authorities allege the trafficking enterprise involved members of Penn State’s Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternities and relied on suppliers in New York and Philadelphia.

Thomas Robinson is a member of Delta Upsilon, while Abbatiello, a Nassau County resident, is affiliated with Sigma Chi.

According to a criminal complaint, after Thomas Robinson was caught by an undercover officer, he allegedly told authorities that Abbatiello had supplied him with quantities of cocaine reaching as much as one kilogram, with transactions valued at up to $22,000.

Property records cited in the original report show that Abbatiello lives in a single-family home in Westbury valued at approximately $1.4 million.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced the charges Monday, describing the alleged operation as a “coordinated and highly-profitable drug-trafficking crew” involving fraternity members and their families.

The Attorney General’s Office later announced that Abbatiello surrendered Tuesday morning and was arraigned.

“We are pleased to report that the most significant members of this cocaine-trafficking organization are accounted for, and will have their fair process in court,” Sunday said Tuesday. “These are very serious charges and the next steps will be preliminary hearings.”

Paul Robinson Accused of Concealing Evidence

The involvement of Paul Robinson adds another dimension to the case because of his established legal career in Pittsburgh and his family connection to one of the principal defendants.

According to prosecutors, the elder Robinson allegedly attempted to conceal evidence connected to the investigation and hinder authorities.

His professional biography states that he earned his bachelor’s degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania before receiving his law degree from New England School of Law in 1992.

He was treasurer of Delta Sigma Phi as an undergraduate and later belonged to Phi Alpha Delta while attending law school, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Robinson is admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. His areas of practice include transportation, commercial, construction and insurance law.

He currently serves as a managing attorney at Pittsburgh-based Meyer, Darragh, Buckler, Bebeneck & Eck.

The firm acknowledged the charges in a statement while emphasizing that the allegations are directed at Robinson personally.

“The allegations concern Mr Robinson individually and do not involve the Firm, its clients, or the legal services provided by the Firm,” the firm said. “The Firm is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the matter.”

Paul Robinson did not return calls seeking comment Tuesday, according to the original report. Thomas Robinson could not immediately be reached for comment.

Penn State Responds to the Allegations

Penn State announced Monday that Delta Upsilon had been placed on interim suspension while an investigation is conducted.

The university said Sigma Chi operates outside Penn State’s oversight.

Andrea Dowhower, Penn State’s vice president for Student Affairs, said the university was deeply troubled by the allegations.

“We are horrified by these serious allegations against current and former students,” Dowhower said.

“Criminal activity, including hazing, such as this has no place at our institution, and we will cooperate with law enforcement in any way we can. We will continue to enhance our efforts around health and safety and hazing educational efforts for all our organizations.”

Meanwhile, Abbatiello’s father, Mario Abbatiello, distanced his family from the allegations when contacted Tuesday.

“We have no comment. We have nothing to do with this. We have no comment,” he said.

With Abbatiello now surrendered and arraigned, Attorney General Sunday said the case will move toward preliminary hearings. The allegations against all defendants remain accusations at this stage and will be addressed through the court process.