In a sprawling investigation, over a dozen individuals with links to Penn State have been implicated in what authorities describe as a significant cocaine distribution network. Currently, one of the purported masterminds, 24-year-old Agostino Abbatiello from Westbury, New York, is still eluding capture.
The case unfolded under Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, who revealed charges against Abbatiello and 13 others, citing an extensive operation intertwined with university students and two fraternities located off-campus.
The Attorney General’s office disclosed that among those charged, 13 were Penn State students during the periods in question, spanning across 2023 and 2024. Additionally, a student’s father faces allegations of evidence tampering and obstructing the investigation process.
In a comprehensive briefing, it emerged that Agostino Abbatiello, alongside Thomas Robinson, was identified as a key supplier in this alleged illicit network involving 14 individuals. (Getty Images: Rolf Vennenbernd/picture alliance; Attorney General Dave Sunday’s Office)
Attorney General Dave Sunday, on Monday, outlined the suspected activities of Abbatiello and Robinson, noting their alleged repeated travels to Philadelphia and New York to procure “substantial amounts” of cocaine.
FILE- Cocaine concealed in bags. Fourteen people were charged in an alleged Penn State cocaine ring tied to fraternities, with some pledges allegedly used to cut and package drugs. (NYPD)
Members of the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternities allegedly cut and packaged the coke inside their frat houses off campus and distributed it to Penn State students, investigators said.
The AG said in addition to the charges against alleged ringleaders Abbatiello and Robinson, two more, Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat, are charged with felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and related offenses.
Attorney General Dave Sunday announced 14 people are facing charges for a massive cocaine trafficking ring that allegedly operated around Penn State. (Attorney General Dave Sunday’s Office)
Additionally, Robert Zanolla, is charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility and related misdemeanors.
Eight more “student-aged defendants” charged are facing misdemeanors for possession and paraphernalia, the AG said. Those include Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price and Charles Wiseman.
The Pennsylvania Attorney General announced cocaine was allegedly cut and packaged at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses and distributed to Penn State University students. (Kelsie Cairns)
The AG’s office confirmed at least four of the men charged are current Penn State 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 Sunday said. “In fact, according to the evidence uncovered, cutting and packaging cocaine was, for some pledges, an indoctrination into the fraternities.”
Thomas Robinson’s father, Paul Robinson is charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence and obstructing the investigation.
Penn State University confirmed to News Media that the university has responded to the criminal allegations and announced the Delta Upsilon fraternity would be placed on interim suspension while the school investigates. It also made note that Sigma Chi is “not a recognized organization and operates outside of the University’s support and oversight.”
In a statement, Penn State said in part:
“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.”
In a statement sent to News Media, Delta Upsilon Executive Director Justin Kirk said, “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.”
News Media has reached out to Sigma Chi fraternity.