Attorney Father Charged in Penn State Cocaine Case Says He Didn’t Know What Was Inside Safe
Paul Robinson and his son Thomas Robinson are both charged in the Penn State drug scandal.Facebook/Paul Robinson
A prominent Pittsburgh attorney charged in connection with an alleged cocaine-trafficking operation involving Penn State fraternity members is pushing back against prosecutors’ account of his role, saying he did not know that a safe he took from his son’s fraternity room allegedly contained drugs and cash.
Paul Robinson, 59, faces felony charges including tampering with evidence and hindering apprehension. His son, Thomas Robinson, is among more than a dozen current and former Penn State students charged in the sprawling investigation.
Robinson’s attorney, Michael DeRiso, said his client came into possession of the safe while helping Thomas clear out his fraternity room after the younger Robinson was arrested in December 2024.
“My client didn’t know what was in the safe,” DeRiso said. He also disputed the allegation that Robinson removed cocaine and disposed of it in an attempt to protect his son.
Prosecutors, however, allege that the safe contained drugs and cash and that Robinson took steps to conceal evidence and obstruct the investigation.
Father says he learned of allegations only after son’s arrest
Thomas Robinson was arrested in December 2024.Facebook/Tom Robinson
According to DeRiso, Robinson did not know his son was allegedly involved in cocaine distribution until he had to pick him up from jail.
Thomas Robinson had been arrested in December 2024 after investigators received information about someone using the nickname “T-Rob” who was allegedly selling large quantities of cocaine from the Delta Upsilon fraternity house.
DeRiso said that a day or two after the arrest, Paul Robinson went to Penn State to help his son remove his belongings after Thomas was forced to leave school. It was during that process, the defense attorney said, that Robinson acquired the safe.
DeRiso declined to discuss what was ultimately found inside it.
The dispute over that safe has now become a significant part of the case against the elder Robinson: prosecutors say he attempted to conceal evidence, while his lawyer maintains he was unaware of its contents.
Investigation reaches two Penn State fraternities
Paul Robinson claims the safe allegedly containing cash and drugs was given to him.Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
The allegations against the Robinsons are part of a much broader investigation into cocaine distribution around Penn State.
Pennsylvania authorities announced charges against 14 people — 13 current or former Penn State students and Paul Robinson. Investigators say the operation was active during 2023 and 2024 and was connected to the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses.
Authorities allege large quantities of cocaine were brought to State College from Philadelphia and New York before being cut, packaged and sold primarily to Penn State students.
Prosecutors have also alleged that fraternity members and pledges participated in preparing the drugs, with some recruits allegedly made to cut and package cocaine as part of their introduction to fraternity life.
Attorney General Dave Sunday described the alleged operation as a serious trafficking organization rather than a small-scale student enterprise.
Thomas Robinson identified as a key alleged supplier
The Delta Upsilon Fraternity House is pictured at Penn State, where Thomas Robinson lived until 2024.Google Maps
Investigators have identified Thomas Robinson and 24-year-old Long Island resident Agostino Abbatiello as central figures in the alleged operation.
Authorities have described Abbatiello as being at the top of the organization, with Robinson positioned below him. Investigators allege the pair made regular trips to New York and Philadelphia to obtain large quantities of cocaine.
Court records also shed light on how investigators say Thomas Robinson came onto their radar.
Authorities were reportedly tipped off that a man known as “T-Rob” was selling cocaine from the Delta Upsilon house. Investigators subsequently examined financial activity, including Venmo transactions connected to Robinson. Following his December 2024 arrest, Robinson cooperated with authorities and identified Abbatiello as a principal supplier, according to reporting on court documents.
Abbatiello later surrendered to authorities after missing an initial court appearance. A judge denied him bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations and concerns that he posed a flight risk and danger to the public.
Paul Robinson is the only non-student charged
Paul Robinson stands apart from the other defendants because he is the only person charged in the case who was not a student.
He is a longtime Pittsburgh attorney and managing partner at Meyer, Darragh, Buckler, Bebenek & Eck. Prosecutors accuse him specifically of attempting to conceal evidence connected to his son’s case.
DeRiso defended Robinson’s professional reputation and said he continues to help run the law firm while the criminal case proceeds.
The firm has sought to distance itself from the allegations, stressing that the case concerns Robinson personally and does not involve its clients or the legal services it provides.
“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 in a statement, adding that it is reviewing the circumstances.
Penn State, meanwhile, has placed Delta Upsilon on interim suspension while the university conducts its own investigation. The university said Sigma Chi is not currently recognized by Penn State and operates outside its oversight.
The criminal allegations against all defendants remain accusations, and the cases will proceed through the courts. For Paul Robinson, one issue is likely to remain central: what he knew about the safe, when he learned what it allegedly contained, and whether prosecutors can prove he deliberately tried to conceal evidence connected to his son’s case.