More than a dozen members from two Penn State fraternities have been charged for orchestrating a sophisticated cocaine trafficking operation. Prosecutors revealed that underage pledges were coerced into preparing the drugs, which were then sold to fellow students.
A total of 14 individuals, including a leader from Long Island deemed “very top of the food chain,” are facing charges linked to this interstate drug trafficking network. Among those charged, four are current Penn State students, nine are alumni, and one is a parent.
The Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon fraternities reportedly linked up with suppliers from New York and Philadelphia to smuggle cocaine, targeting primarily the university’s student body for distribution.
“This was a well-coordinated and lucrative drug operation involving key fraternity figures and their pledges,” remarked Attorney General Dave Sunday in a press release on Monday.
“Indeed, the evidence shows that for some pledges, the initiation process into the fraternities included cutting and packaging cocaine,” he added.
Sunday noted during a Monday press conference that 24-year-old Agostino Abbatiello, of Westbury, Nassau County, was “at the very top of the chain.”
Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson — of Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon fraternities, respectively — were the main suppliers in the scheme, with Abbatiello frequently traveling to New York to acquire large quantities of cocaine between 2023 and 2024, the investigation found.
Abbatiello allegedly distributed cocaine as recently as February 2026, according to court documents.
When he learned law enforcement was interviewing individuals about Penn State drug dealing, he reportedly “begged them not to talk about his involvement.”
The cocaine was cut and packaged primarily at the off-campus Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses before being distributed mainly to Penn State students.
Abbatiello, Robinson, Mohammed Huraibi, and Lars Zeepvat face felony charges including corrupt organizations, conspiracy, and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity.
A second Long Islander — Robert Zanolla, 24, of Manhasset — is also charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility.
Also charged, with misdemeanors, are: Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price, and Charles Wiseman.
Paul Robinson, Thomas’ father, is charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash, and obstructing the investigation.
Penn State has since suspended Delta Upsilon while it investigates the frat and said Sigma Chi is not recognized by the university and opperates outside its supervision.
“We are horrified by these serious allegations against current and former students,” said Andrea Dowhower, Penn State’s 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.”