New England Law Boston has withdrawn the admission of Thomas Robinson following his arrest in connection with an alleged large-scale drug trafficking ring at Penn State University.
Robinson had been awarded the school’s prestigious Sandra Day O’Connor Scholarship, which covers full tuition across three years of legal study.
The scholarship, valued at more than $188,000, was confirmed through a now-deleted Facebook post from a family member that was obtained by Onward State.
The O’Connor Scholarship is designated for incoming students who demonstrate what the school describes as “exceptional academic promise.”
Robinson, a former Penn State student and Delta Upsilon fraternity member, was allegedly one of the drug operation’s main suppliers and sat one step below the ring’s leader, according to Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday.
He allegedly told police that Agostino Abbatiello was his source of cocaine at Penn State, detailing multiple purchases from the alleged ringleader of the drug trafficking operation.
His initial purchases from Abbatiello were for between six and eight ounces, but Robinson allegedly quickly escalated to buying larger quantities, including two separate purchases of one kilogram of cocaine for over $20,000 each.
New England Law Boston confirmed the situation in a statement, saying the school is “aware of a law enforcement matter involving an individual who was registered for the fall semester,” and that the individual “has not begun studies,” with admission now withdrawn.
Adding another layer to the case, Robinson is the son of Paul Robinson, chair of the product liability and transportation practice groups at Meyer, Darragh, Buckler, Bebenek and Eck.
Paul Robinson is the only person charged in the operation who was not a student during the relevant time period, facing felony tampering and hindering apprehension charges for allegedly making a safe full of drugs and cash disappear.
Paul Robinson’s attorney, Michael DeRiso, told KDKA that his biggest concern is making sure his client can keep being an “amazing lawyer.”
Adding a striking biographical footnote, Paul Robinson himself obtained his law degree from the New England School of Law, the same institution that has now severed ties with his son.
Thomas Robinson’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 2, at which point the legal proceedings against the alleged members of the operation will begin to move forward in earnest.