The man prosecutors describe as the leader of a cocaine trafficking network operating out of two Penn State fraternity houses appeared in a Pennsylvania courtroom Wednesday morning alongside several alleged associates.
Agostino Abbatiello, a 24-year-old Long Island native, was brought into court wearing a red prison jumpsuit and shackles. As he entered the courtroom, he greeted his attorney with a fist bump.
Also appearing at the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte were Thomas Robinson, an alleged participant in the drug ring; Robinson’s father and attorney, Paul Robinson; and several other defendants accused of taking part in the conspiracy.
The defendants are facing numerous criminal charges after investigators said members of Penn State’s Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon fraternities worked with cocaine suppliers based in New York and Philadelphia.
Prosecutors allege that 13 fraternity members were arrested in connection with a cocaine distribution operation that used young pledges to cut and package the drugs before they were sold to students.
Abbatiello, identified by authorities as the alleged ringleader, argued in a motion filed Monday that he was being improperly detained without bail and sought to delay Wednesday’s proceeding.
Centre County Court of Common Pleas records show the court deemed the motion “moot” and allowed the hearing to move forward as scheduled.
Abbatiello’s attorney told the court he was withdrawing the request for a continuance and was prepared to proceed.
