Prominent Pittsburgh Attorney Charged In Penn State Coke Ring Case

PITTSBURGH, PA — A well-known Pittsburgh attorney is among the 14 people charged in a Penn State cocaine operation.

Paul R. Robinson, 59, of Churchill, is a managing attorney and equity member of Meyer, Darragh, Buckler, Bebenek & Eck, PLLC, which is based Downtown.

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He is the father of Thomas Robinson, 23, who is accused of being one of the cocaine ring's leaders.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday on Monday announced the filing of criminal charges against 13 current and former Penn State students for allegedly participating in the cocaine operation.

"The only non-student charged is Thomas Robinson's father, Paul Robinson, who we allege took steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash, and obstruct this investigation," Sunday said at a news conference on Monday.

The concealing evidence charge against Paul Robinson is a felony. He also is charged with two misdemeanor offenses.

Paul Robinson faces an Aug. 26 preliminary hearing.

According to a grand jury presentment, two members of the drug operation — Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson — were its the main suppliers, making regular trips to Philadelphia and New York for large quantities of cocaine.

The cocaine was then cut and packaged — primarily at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses — and distributed mainly to Penn State University students.

According to the Meyer Darragh website, Paul Robinson is a graduate of Edinboro University and the New England School of Law. He joined Meyer Darragh's Pittsburgh office in 1992 and became a partner in 1997. He currently chairs the firm's product liability and transportation groups.

In a statement provided to multiple media outlets, Meyer Darragh said in a statement, "The allegations concern Mr. Robinson individually and do not involve the Firm, its clients, or the legal services provided by the Firm.

"Because the criminal proceeding is ongoing, the Firm will not comment on the substance of the allegations or speculate regarding the evidence. Mr. Robinson, like every person accused of a crime, is entitled to the presumption of innocence and to have the charges determined through the judicial process."