Penn State Coke Ring Case: Law School Admission Withdrawn For Key Defendant

STATE COLLEGE, PA — A law school has revoked its admission of man accused of being one of the leaders of a large-scale cocaine ring at Penn State.

New England Law Boston has withdrawn the admission of Thomas Robinson, 23, of Churchill, according to Onward State, an independent student-run website that serves the Penn State Community.

“New England Law Boston is aware of a law enforcement matter involving an individual who was registered for the fall semester,” a law school spokesperson said in a statement to Onward State. “The individual has not begun studies at New England Law, and their admission to the law school has been withdrawn.”

Robinson was one of 14 people charged last week against 13 current and former Penn State students and former Penn State students for allegedly participating in the cocaine operation. A 14th person also was charged: Robinson's father.

Paul Robinson, a prominent Pittsburgh attorney was charged with a felony concealing evidence charge and two misdemeanor offenses. Paul Robinson, also of Churchill, is a managing attorney and equity member of Meyer, Darragh, Buckler, Bebenek & Eck, PLLC, which is based Downtown.

According to a grand jury presentment, two members of the drug operation — Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson — were the drug operation's 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. Thomas Robinson was a Delta Upsilon member.

Thomas Robinson faces a preliminary hearing on Sept. 2.