The former head of the Cambria County Bar Association is accused of stealing more than $300,000 from the organization to lavish herself with trips to Mexico, cosmetic procedures and a timeshare property.
Robin Hagins, 56, of Upper Yoder was charged Wednesday with theft, receiving stolen property, forgery, criminal use of a communication facility and deceptive business practices — all felonies.
A state grand jury claims she stole $315,000 between 2018 and 2023, when an overdraft notice sparked an internal investigation. The bar association’s board, according to the grand jury’s report, found suspected salary overpayments to Hagins, instances of insufficient funds and an unapproved $200 monthly payment toward a covid-19 relief small business loan.
Furthermore, Hagins is accused of making fraudulent payments to Cuddles for Kids, a charity started by her son in 2006 that helps children in need. The money allegedly went toward a bingo event and a character lunch with princesses and super heroes.
The report also claims she misappropriated money from the charity for personal use, including by making several payments from Cuddles for Kids accounts titled “Key West condo payment.”
The bar association, a group of about 100 attorneys practicing in Cambria County, is funded through annual dues. Hagins was hired as executive director in 2015, taking over for her husband, who is not named in the report. The couple had been involved with the group since the early 1990s.
Hagins’ son and husband are not facing any charges.
Her compensation was set at $2,000 a month and 40% of net revenues of the Cambria County Legal Journal, which she managed as part of the gig. This was her only income, according to the report, casting doubt on how she was able to afford luxuries like traveling abroad.
The role came with extensive control over the bar association’s financial records and accounts.
When confronted about the alleged transgressions at a board meeting, Hagins left the meeting, according to the report. She later admitted via text message to cutting corners in recent weeks, but blamed the behavior on the former board president’s failure to work with her.
She also sent an email to the new board president noting she nor her husband have received a raise in over 20 years.
Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer referred the case to the state Attorney General’s Office.
“As executive director of the Cambria County Bar Association, the defendant was entrusted with carrying out its important mission through educational and philanthropic endeavors that benefit the community,” Attorney General Dave Sunday said in a statement. “The defendant’s alleged actions betrayed the trust of the bar association while enabling herself to live a lavish lifestyle with someone else’s funds.”
Hagins did not have an attorney listed in court documents.
Her preliminary hearing is set for May 28. She is free on $150,000 unsecured bail.