Pennsylvania authorities have charged 14 people, mostly current and former students, in connection with a cocaine trafficking operation run out of two fraternity houses at Penn State University. The charges follow an investigation that uncovered an alleged drug ring involving fraternity members and pledges.
Alleged Operation Details
According to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the operation was led by Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson, who allegedly made regular trips to New York and Philadelphia to obtain large quantities of cocaine. Attorney General Dave Sunday described Abbatiello as at the "very top of the chain" and Robinson as "a rung below that on the ladder."
The alleged crimes took place between 2023 and 2024, when 13 of the 14 suspects were students at the university. Four of those charged are current students, nine are alumni, and one is a parent. Authorities allege that pledges were required to cut and package cocaine as part of their initiation into the fraternities.
Charges and Suspects
Abbatiello, Robinson, Mohammed Hurabi, and Lars Zeepvat face felony charges including corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing proceeds of unlawful activity, and related offenses. Robert Zanolla was charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, along with other misdemeanors.
Other suspects, described as "student aged," include Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price, and Charles Wiseman, who face possession and paraphernalia charges. Paul Robinson, the father of Thomas Robinson, was charged with felony tampering and hindering apprehension for allegedly concealing evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash.
University and Fraternity Response
Penn State has placed Delta Upsilon on interim suspension pending an internal investigation, while Sigma Chi operates outside the university and is not recognized as part of it. Andrea Dowhower, Penn State's vice president for Student Affairs, said, "We are horrified by these serious allegations against current and former students. 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."
Justin Kirk, Delta Upsilon's executive director, told Fox News that the individuals associated with the fraternity "have either been expelled, suspended or resigned." Michael Church, Sigma Chi's executive director, said the allegations are "an egregious violation of our values," and all three members charged in the investigation have been suspended.
