Two off-campus fraternities tied to Penn State University are accused of involvement in a cocaine trafficking operation, with investigators alleging that some pledges were required to package drugs as part of their initiation process.
More than a dozen Penn State students connected to Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi are facing drug-related charges after authorities said fraternity members and pledges cut, packaged and sold cocaine to other 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 Dave Sunday said on Sunday.
“In fact, according to the evidence uncovered, cutting and packaging cocaine was, for some pledges, an indoctrination into the fraternities.”
Investigators identified Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson, both members of the organization, as the alleged primary suppliers for the fraternities.
According to the Attorney General, the two men allegedly traveled regularly to Philadelphia and New York to obtain “large quantities of cocaine.”
Abbatiello and Robinson were among four people charged in the case. Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat also face counts including felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and other offenses.
A fifth individual, Robert Zanolla, was charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, along with additional misdemeanor offenses, according to the release.
More than a dozen Penn State students in two off-campus fraternities, Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi, face drug related charges after members and pledges allegedly cut and packaged cocaine and distributed it to other students
Agostino Abbatiello (left) and Thomas Robinson (right), two members of the organization, were believed to have been the main suppliers for the frats
Delta Upsilon’s executive director, Justin Kirk, said those accused in the investigation ‘have either been expelled, suspended or resigned’
Additionally, Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price and Charles Wiseman – all ‘student-aged’ – face misdemeanor counts of possession and paraphernalia.
Paul Robinson, Thomas Robinson’s father, was charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash, and obstructing the investigation.
‘In all, 13 defendants were Penn State University students at or around the time of the alleged conduct, in 2023 and 2024,’ the release stated.
Of those charged, four are current Penn State students, according to the attorney general’s office.
Andrea Dowhower, vice president for Student Affairs at Penn State University, said in a statement: ‘We are horrified by these serious allegations against current and former students.
‘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.’
The university said in a statement that Delta Upsilon would be placed on interim suspension, and that Sigma Chi operates outside of the university and is not recognized as an organization.
Michael Church, Sigma Chi’s executive director, said in a statement to the outlet that the allegations are ‘an egregious violation of our values’ and all three members charged in the investigation have been suspended.
Both Robinson, pictured, and Abbatiello allegedly made regular trips to Philadelphia and New York for ‘large quantities of cocaine’
Abbatiello, pictured, and Robinson were two of four charged with felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and other offenses
Paul Robinson, Thomas Robinson’s father (right), was charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash, and obstructing the investigation. Robert Zanolla (left) was charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility as well as other misdemeanor charges
Mohammed Hurabi (left) and Lars Zeepvat (right) were also charged with felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and other offenses
Michael Church, Sigma Chi’s executive director, said in a statement that the allegations are ‘an egregious violation of our values’ and all three members charged have been suspended
Church noted that the fraternity had also been placed on interim suspension.
Delta Upsilon’s executive director, Justin Kirk, told Fox News in a statement: ‘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,’ the statement continued.
The Daily Mail reached out to Penn State University, Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi for comment.
