STATE COLLEGE, Penn. — Fourteen people are facing charges in an alleged cocaine-trafficking ring involving Penn State University students and two fraternities.
Thirteen of the defendants were Penn State students at or around the time of the alleged conduct in 2023 and 2024. The 14th defendant, the father of one of the students, is accused of tampering with evidence and hindering the investigation.
According to an investigation and grand jury presentment, Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson, who were students until 2024, served as the main suppliers for the operation. Prosecutors say the two regularly traveled to Philadelphia and New York to obtain large quantities of cocaine.
Abbatiello was a member of Sigma Chi, while Robinson participated in Delta Upsilon.
Prosecutors allege the cocaine was then cut, packaged and distributed primarily at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses, with most of the drugs sold to 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,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said in a statement. “In fact, according to the evidence uncovered, cutting and packaging cocaine was, for some pledges, an indoctrination into the fraternities.”
Investigators used a variety of methods to track the alleged operation, including how the cocaine was obtained, packaged and sold. Authorities said most transactions were conducted with cash or payment apps.
“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.
Abbatiello, Robinson, Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat are charged with felony counts including corrupt organizations, conspiracy and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, along with related offenses.
Robert Zanolla faces felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility charges, as well as related misdemeanor charges.
Eight other student-aged defendants face misdemeanor charges of drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Paul Robinson, Thomas Robinson’s father, is accused of felony tampering and hindering apprehension after allegedly taking steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash.
Abbatiello failed to appear for his scheduled arraignment Monday morning but was arraigned Tuesday.
Penn State has placed Delta Upsilon on interim suspension while the university’s Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response investigates. Sigma Chi is not a university-recognized organization and operates outside the university’s support and oversight.
The university also said its Student Affairs division is working to strengthen educational and hazing-prevention efforts during the first weeks of the semester.
“We are horrified by these serious allegations against current and former students,” said Andrea Dowhower, vice president for Student Affairs, in a statement. “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.”
