More than a dozen people with ties to Penn State are facing charges in an alleged large-scale cocaine trafficking network, while one accused leader, Agostino Abbatiello, 24, of Westbury, New York, remains on the run.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said Abbatiello is one of 14 defendants charged in connection with the alleged cocaine distribution operation, which authorities say involved students and two off-campus fraternities.
“In all, 13 defendants were Penn State University students at or around the time of the alleged conduct, in 2023 and 2024. The 14th defendant, the father of a student, is charged with tampering with evidence and hindering the investigation,” the Attorney General’s office said.
Penn Staters Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson are accused of serving as the primary cocaine suppliers in an alleged distribution ring that led to charges against 14 people. (Getty Images: Rolf Vennenbernd/picture alliance; Attorney General Dave Sunday’s Office)
In Monday’s announcement, Sunday identified Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson as the alleged main suppliers. Investigators claim the pair routinely traveled to Philadelphia and New York to obtain “large quantities” of cocaine.
FILE — Cocaine hidden in bags. Fourteen people have been charged in an alleged Penn State cocaine ring linked to fraternities, where some pledges were allegedly used to cut and package drugs. (NYPD)
Authorities allege members of the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternities cut and packaged cocaine inside their off-campus fraternity houses before distributing it to Penn State students.
Along with the charges against alleged ringleaders Abbatiello and Robinson, prosecutors said Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat also face felony counts of corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and related offenses.
Attorney General Dave Sunday announced 14 people are facing charges for a massive cocaine trafficking ring that allegedly operated around Penn State. (Attorney General Dave Sunday’s Office)
Additionally, Robert Zanolla, is charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility and related misdemeanors.
Eight more “student-aged defendants” charged are facing misdemeanors for possession and paraphernalia, the AG said. Those include Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price and Charles Wiseman.
The Pennsylvania Attorney General announced cocaine was allegedly cut and packaged at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses and distributed to Penn State University students. (Kelsie Cairns)
The AG’s office confirmed at least four of the men charged are current Penn State students.
“This was a coordinated and highly-profitable drug-trafficking crew revolving around two senior members of the fraternities, other fraternity brothers, and pledges,” Attorney General Sunday said. “In fact, according to the evidence uncovered, cutting and packaging cocaine was, for some pledges, an indoctrination into the fraternities.”
Thomas Robinson’s father, Paul Robinson is charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence and obstructing the investigation.
Penn State University confirmed to News Outlet that the university has responded to the criminal allegations and announced the Delta Upsilon fraternity would be placed on interim suspension while the school investigates. It also made note that Sigma Chi is “not a recognized organization and operates outside of the University’s support and oversight.”
In a statement, Penn State said in part:
“We are horrified by these serious allegations against current and former students,” said Andrea Dowhower, vice president for Student Affairs. “Criminal activity, including hazing, such as this has no place at our institution, and we will cooperate with law enforcement in any way we can. We will continue to enhance our efforts around health and safety and hazing educational efforts for all our organizations.”
In a statement sent to News Outlet, Delta Upsilon Executive Director Justin Kirk said, “The charges filed today [Monday] stem from alleged incidents that Delta Upsilon International Fraternity was previously made aware of. The individuals associated with Delta Upsilon have either been expelled, suspended or resigned. We will continue to work closely with the university on any investigative efforts.”
News Outlet has reached out to Sigma Chi fraternity.
