Penn State University was thrust into a criminal investigation after state prosecutors charged 14 people in an alleged cocaine trafficking network that operated out of two off campus fraternities. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said 13 of the defendants were Penn State students or recently enrolled students and one defendant was the parent of a student.
Sunday identified two men as the primary suppliers for the operation, Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson. He said the pair allegedly sourced bulk cocaine from contacts in Philadelphia and New York and moved product to State College for cutting, packaging and local distribution.
Court documents obtained by news outlets allege the ring made tens of thousands of dollars in profit. The filings cite multiple large transactions, including a 500 gram purchase for $18,000 and three kilogram scale purchases listed at roughly $22,000 each. Investigators say much of the packaging took place inside the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi off campus houses.
Sunday said evidence shows some pledges were ordered to cut and bag cocaine as part of initiation. The attorney general called that alleged conduct an indoctrination for some pledges and described the overall operation as coordinated and highly profitable.
Four defendants face higher level charges including felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, according to the attorney general. Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat were named among those charged at that level. Robert Zanolla faces felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility counts. Eight student aged defendants face misdemeanor possession and paraphernalia counts, including Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price and Charles Wiseman.
Paul Robinson, identified as the father of Thomas Robinson, was charged with tampering, hindering apprehension and obstructing the investigation. Prosecutors say he concealed evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash.
Reactions And Next Steps
Penn State said it will cooperate with law enforcement and placed Delta Upsilon on interim suspension while it investigates. The university noted Sigma Chi is not a recognized organization and operates outside its oversight. Andrea Dowhower, the university vice president for student affairs, said the allegations are horrific and that the institution will enhance hazing and safety efforts.
Fraternity leaders issued statements saying accused members have been expelled, suspended or resigned and that chapters have paused operations. Delta Upsilon Executive Director Justin Kirk said the organization will work with the university. Sigma Chi's executive director Michael Church described the allegations as an egregious violation of values and said those charged have been suspended.
Abbatiello surrendered to authorities and was arraigned on multiple felonies, the attorney general said, and a judge denied bail after he missed a prior arraignment. Prosecutors said preliminary hearings will follow. Neighbors and local reporting described Abbatiello's family as well off, a detail noted in news interviews conducted near the family home.
