Attorney General Dave Sunday has announced charges against Robin Hagins, the former executive director of the Cambria County Bar Association. She is accused of misappropriating over $300,000 from the organization between 2018 and 2023.
Hagins, aged 56 and residing in Johnstown, faces charges including theft by unlawful taking, misappropriation of funds received, and forgery. Her bail has been set at $150,000 unsecured.
The Office of Attorney General's investigation, which involved the 51st Statewide Investigating Grand Jury, alleges that Hagins used the funds for personal expenses such as cosmetic procedures and vacations. Additionally, she reportedly diverted money to Cuddles for Kids, a nonprofit founded by her family, without proper authorization.
According to investigators, Hagins had no other income sources that could account for these expenditures. "As executive director of the Cambria County Bar Association," Attorney General Sunday stated, "the defendant was entrusted with carrying out its important mission through educational and philanthropic endeavors that benefit the community. 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."
The case came to light when the Cambria County District Attorney referred it to the Office of Attorney General following an overdraft notice received by CCBA in June 2023. A review uncovered suspected overpayments to Hagins along with multiple financial irregularities including overdrafts and unauthorized payments towards a Small Business Association loan.
Further investigation revealed that Hagins allegedly funded events for Cuddles for Kids using Bar Association money without approval. The total fraudulent payments from CCBA to Hagins during this period amounted to $314,759.
Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General Evan Lowry is prosecuting this case. It is important to note that criminal charges are allegations at this stage; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.