Fourteen individuals, including current and former Penn State University students, have been charged in connection with a large-scale cocaine trafficking operation that utilized two off-campus fraternities Cbsnews. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced the charges during a press conference in State College, detailing an illicit network that prosecutors said operated from approximately 2023 to 2024.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Announces Charges in Campus Cocaine Ring
According to investigators, the trafficking ring relied on regular trips from Philadelphia and New York to transport large amounts of cocaine to State College. Prosecutors identified Agostino Abbatiello, 24, of New York, and Thomas Robinson, 23, of Pittsburgh, as the main suppliers and leaders of the high-level operation. Abbatiello and Robinson served as senior members of the Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon fraternities, respectively.
Fraternity Houses Used for Packaging and Pledging Indoctrination
State prosecutors alleged that the illegal narcotics were primarily cut and packaged at the Delta Upsilon house located at 229 Locust Lane and the Sigma Chi house located at 400 E. According to Attorney General Sunday, the packaging process was frequently carried out by fraternity pledges as an indoctrination tool into the organizations. Grand jury evidence indicated that purchases totaled more than $50,000, with certain fraternity members receiving sales commissions. Investigators noted that the actual drug dealing primarily occurred from friend to friend, fraternity brother to fraternity brother, and during social gatherings and parties.
This was a coordinated and highly-profitable drug-trafficking crew revolving around two senior members of the fraternities, other fraternity brothers, and pledges,
Sunday stated in a news release, adding that cutting and packaging cocaine served as an initiation for some pledges.
Defendants Face Felony and Misdemeanor Charges
Thirteen of the 14 defendants were Penn State students at or around the time of the alleged offenses. Abbatiello, Thomas Robinson, Mohammed Huraibi, and Lars Zeepvat face multiple felony counts, including corrupt organizations, conspiracy, and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity. Robert Zanolla faces felony conspiracy and related charges. Eight additional students—Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price, and Charles Wiseman—face misdemeanor drug and paraphernalia counts.
The 14th defendant, 59-year-old Paul Robinson, is the father of Thomas Robinson. He is not a Penn State student and is accused of felony tampering and hindering apprehension after allegedly trying to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash.
University Response and Interim Suspensions
In response to the criminal allegations, Penn State placed Delta Upsilon on interim suspension while the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response investigates the matter. University officials clarified that Sigma Chi is not a recognized campus organization and operates outside of university oversight.
Andrea Dowhower, vice president for Student Affairs, expressed shock over the allegations. 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,
Dowhower said in a statement. Michael Church, executive director of Sigma Chi, stated that the conduct was an egregious violation of the organization’s values and confirmed that all three chapter members facing charges have been suspended while the chapter itself faces an interim suspension.
