Pittsburgh Attorney Admits Imperfect Life Amid Son's Penn State Drug Case

Pittsburgh attorney Paul Robinson, 59, has publicly addressed allegations that he aided his son in concealing evidence related to a large-scale cocaine operation at Penn State. Robinson, who has been charged with felony tampering and hindering apprehension, acknowledged, "I have not lived a perfect life by any means, but the claims and reports about me are not true." He maintains that his overriding concern has been supporting his son, Thomas Robinson, 24, through what he described as a "devastating college mistake."

Prosecutors allege that Thomas Robinson became a senior figure in a lucrative drug ring that infiltrated two fraternities and involved pledges in packaging cocaine. The elder Robinson is accused of attempting to hide a safe containing drugs and cash linked to his son's alleged activities.

Paul Robinson, the managing attorney at the Pittsburgh law firm Meyer, Darragh, Buckler, Bebenek, and Eck, insists that his actions were misunderstood and that he respects the law. "I tried to do everything right after my son was arrested 2 years ago, and I look forward to telling what actually happened when we have that opportunity," he stated through his attorney, Michael DeRiso. He added that his "only concern is that my family continue to have the strength and support to get through this."

The operation, which authorities say operated around Penn State between 2023 and 2024, allegedly involved members of the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternities. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday previously characterized the group as a "coordinated and highly profitable drug-trafficking crew."

Robinson detailed that his son, after his initial arrest two years prior, spent subsequent time finishing his degree, receiving counseling, and starting a business. He expressed frustration that Thomas's cooperation with investigators led to re-charges and additional accusations. "His honesty was used against him, and it put him into a now deeper hole, but he still continues to do everything he can to show that his terrible mistake in college is not who he is," Paul Robinson said.

Thomas Robinson had been admitted to New England Law Boston, but his admission was reportedly withdrawn following his arrest. His father's role in the case has drawn significant attention, with DeRiso previously questioning the prosecution's interpretation of Robinson's actions regarding a safe. "I struggle to see Paul doing something so reckless," DeRiso commented. "If there is some version of the story that isn't so criminal, that's probably the story that is going to come out at some point as we defend this."

Authorities have identified Agostino Abbatiello, 24, as the alleged ringleader, with Thomas Robinson described as being a level below him. Evidence uncovered suggests that cutting and packaging cocaine was, for some fraternity pledges, part of their initiation. Thomas Robinson initially told investigators he had purchased large quantities of cocaine from Abbatiello and used his fraternity position to recruit pledges for drug trafficking. Testimonies in court indicate the operation grew significantly, with pledges being recruited to help package cocaine for resale.

Penn State has condemned the alleged criminal activity. "We are horrified by these serious allegations against current and former students," stated Andrea Dowhower, vice president for Student Affairs. "Criminal activity, including hazing, such as this has no place at our institution."

Both Paul and Thomas Robinson are expected to appear in court for arraignment proceedings.