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More than a dozen Penn Staters are charged in connection with an alleged massive cocaine distribution ring as one of the alleged ringleaders, Agostino Abbatiello, 24, of Westbury, New York remains at large.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that Abbatiello is among 14 people who are facing charges related to the coke trafficking operation where students and two off-campus fraternities were allegedly involved.
“In all, 13 defendants were Penn State University students at or around the time of the alleged conduct, in 2023 and 2024. The 14th defendant, the father of a student, is charged with tampering with evidence and hindering the investigation,” the Attorney General’s office said.
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Penn Staters Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson are accused of being the main suppliers of cocaine for a massive distribution ring where 14 people were charged. (Getty Images: Rolf Vennenbernd/picture alliance; Attorney General Dave Sunday’s Office)
In the Monday announcement, the AG said suspects Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson were the main coke suppliers. They allegedly made regular trips to Philadelphia and New York to pick up “large quantities” of the illegal drug.
Lars Zeepvat, Paul Robinson, Mohammad Hurabi, Thomas Robinson and Robert Zanolla were allegedly involved in the Penn State drug ring. (Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday)
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.
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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.
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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.
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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)
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The AG’s office confirmed at least four of the men charged are current Penn State students.
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“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.”
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Thomas Robinson’s father, Paul Robinson is charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence and obstructing the investigation.
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Penn State University confirmed to Digital 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.”
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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.”
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In a statement sent to Digital, 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.”
Digital has reached out to Sigma Chi fraternity.
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