Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday charged 14 individuals, including a prominent Pittsburgh attorney and several Penn State University students, in connection with an alleged cocaine distribution ring operating out of off-campus fraternity houses during 2023 and 2024. The investigation resulted in indictments announced on Monday at 10:30 a.m.
Fraternity Invalidation and the Cocaine Distribution Ring
Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon Fraternities at Pennsylvania State University
The narcotics operation centered around two off-campus Greek organizations at Pennsylvania State University, specifically Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon. According to investigators, the illicit activity took place throughout 2023 and 2024. In response to the indictments, the university immediately placed Delta Upsilon on interim suspension while the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response investigates the matter. Sigma Chi, meanwhile, is not a recognized organization and operates outside of the university’s support and oversight.
Agostino Abbatiello and Robert Zanolla
Prosecutors identified Agostino Abbatiello, a 24-year-old Penn State graduate from Westbury, New York, as the primary supplier at the head of the operation. Law enforcement officials stated that Abbatiello was at the very top of the chain, and Penn State students characterized him as the largest cocaine distributor at the university. Another individual, 24-year-old Robert Zanolla of Manhasset, was arrested on allegations that he helped move cocaine from New York City.
Pledges Used for Packaging and Indoctrination
Investigators detailed a disturbing dynamic within the fraternities, where the manual labor of the drug ring doubled as a form of Greek initiation. Law enforcement noted that the packaging of the narcotics occurred primarily inside the off-campus fraternity houses. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday stated at a news conference that the packaging was done by fraternity brothers and oftentimes pledges. The attorney general further elaborated on how the illicit enterprise was woven into the social structures of the organizations, noting that cutting and bagging the substance served as an indoctrination tool for incoming members.
“In fact, we found a pattern of events that showed cutting and bagging cocaine was for some pledges an indoctrination into the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternities.”
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday
A Pittsburgh Attorney Charged with Concealing Evidence
Paul R. Robinson and Thomas Michael Robinson
Among those charged is Paul R. Robinson, a 59-year-old resident of Churchill, who is an equity member and managing attorney at Meyer, Darragh, Buckler, Bebenek & Eck, PLLC, headquartered in the U.S. Steel Tower. He is the father of Thomas Michael Robinson, a 23-year-old of Churchill identified by investigators as a suspected leader of the cocaine operation. Thomas Robinson was previously arrested in December 2024 on drug manufacturing and delivery charges, criminal use of a communication facility, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Meyer, Darragh, Buckler, Bebenek & Eck, PLLC
Investigators stated that the younger Robinson cooperated with authorities following that initial arrest, providing the name of his cocaine supplier. His father, however, now faces felony charges including tampering, hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence, and obstructing the investigation. Officials allege that the elder Robinson took specific steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash.
“…Who we allege took steps to conceal evidence including a safe containing drugs and cash,”
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday
University officials expressed severe condemnation of the actions detailed in the indictments, emphasizing that disciplinary measures for current students could extend to permanent separation from the institution.
“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.”
Andrea Dowhower, Vice President for Student Affairs
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