The alleged mastermind behind a significant cocaine trafficking network based within two fraternities at Penn State University has turned himself in to authorities.
Agostino Abbatiello, 24, now faces charges of conspiracy alongside several counts for possession with intent to distribute. Pennsylvania’s Office of the Attorney General has identified him as one of the two principal suppliers for the drug operation, as reported in their official statement.
Attorney General Dave Sunday emphasized, in a conversation captured by ABC 7, “Abbatiello stood at the pinnacle of the operation’s hierarchy.”
Abbatiello is among 14 individuals now facing legal charges tied to this extensive drug trafficking scheme. Officials claim the operation was predominantly run out of the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses. Here, cocaine was processed and prepared for sale to the student population.
“This was a well-organized, lucrative drug trafficking operation, deeply intertwined with two senior fraternity members, fellow brothers, and new pledges,” Attorney General Sunday remarked in the statement. “Remarkably, the evidence suggests that the process of cutting and packaging cocaine served as a rite of passage for some pledges joining these fraternities.”
During the investigation, investigators used various tactics to track the individuals involved, determine how the cocaine was obtained and then packaged and sold, officials said.
Investigators identified Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson as the “main suppliers for the group.”
The pair—along with Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat—are facing charges of felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and related offenses.
Robinson’s father Paul Robinson has also been implicated in the scheme and is charged with felony tampering, obstructing an investigation and hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence by “safe containing drugs and cash,” authorities said.
He’s the only nonstudent to be charged and serves as a managing attorney at a Pittsburgh-based law firm Meyer, Darragh, Buckler, Bebenek & Eck, PLLC, according to Trib Live. Oxygen reached out him, but did not receive an immediate response.
In addition, Robert Zanolla was charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility and related misdemeanors and eight others are facing misdemeanor charges including Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price and Charles Wiseman, the attorney general’s office said.
All 14 defendants were charged Aug. 17. Abbateillo failed to show up for his scheduled arraignment and was denied bond. The 24-year-old surrendered to authorities the following day, the attorney general’s office said in a statement.
“We are pleased to report that the most significant members of this cocaine-trafficking organization are accounted for, and will have their fair process in court,” Sunday said. “These are very serious charges and the next steps will be preliminary hearings.”
Oxygen reached out to Abbateillo’s attorney, but did not receive an immediate response. No attorney was listed in the court docket for Thomas or Paul Robinson.
In response to the allegations, Penn State University issued a statement saying they were placing Delta Upsilon on interim suspension as they launch an investigation into the allegations. Sigma Chi is not a recognized organization within the college and operates outside its support, they said.
“We are horrified by these serious allegations against current and former students,” Vice President for Student Affairs Andrea Dowhower said. “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.”