Attorney General Dave Sunday, in conjunction with State College Police Department and the 54th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury, announced charges against 14 people in connection to a cocaine-trafficking operation involving primarily college students and two fraternities.
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.
According to the investigation and a grand jury presentment, two members of the organization — Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson — were the main suppliers for the group, making regular trips to Philadelphia and New York for large quantities of cocaine.
The cocaine was then cut and packaged — primarily at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses — and distributed mainly to Penn State University students.
Abbatiello, Robinson, and two others — Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat — are charged with felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, and related offenses. A fifth person, Robert Zanolla, is charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, and related misdemeanors.
The eight other student-aged defendants charged are facing misdemeanor counts of possession and paraphernalia.
“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.”
NOTE: There was a misstatement at a press event regarding current student status; at least four charged individuals are current students.
Law enforcement used a variety of tactics to track the individuals involved, how the cocaine was obtained, packaged and sold. Most of the payments were made in cash or via payment apps.
Also charged, with misdemeanors, are: Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price, and Charles Wiseman.
Paul Robinson is charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash, and obstructing the investigation.
The cases will be prosecuted by the Office of Attorney General Drug Strike Force Section. Criminal charges, and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Ringleader Agostino Abbatiello; Denied Bail
Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that the leader of a cocaine-trafficking ring involving Penn State University students and two student fraternities surrendered Tuesday morning.
Agostino Abbatiello, 24, was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Kelley Gillette-Walker on numerous felonies, including multiple counts of possession with intent to deliver (cocaine), and conspiracy.
The district judge denied bail at arraignment. Abbatiello and 13 other defendants were charged Monday morning. Abbatiello failed to appear for his scheduled arraignment Monday morning.
Thirteen of the charged defendants were Penn State University students at or around the time of the alleged conduct, in 2023 and 2024. According to the investigation and a grand jury presentment, Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson were the main suppliers for the criminal organization, making regular trips to Philadelphia and New York for large quantities of cocaine.
The cocaine was then cut and packaged — primarily at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses — and distributed mainly to Penn State University students.
“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,” Attorney General Sunday said. “These are very serious charges and the next steps will be preliminary hearings.”
The Office of Attorney General, in conjunction with State College Police Department and the 54th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury, announced charges against 14 people.
Abbatiello, Robinson, and two others — Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat — are charged with felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, and related offenses. A fifth person, Robert Zanolla, is charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, and related misdemeanors.
The eight other student-aged defendants charged are facing misdemeanor counts of possession and paraphernalia. They are: Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price, and Charles Wiseman.
Paul Robinson — Thomas Robinson’s father — is charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence, including a safe containing drugs and cash, and obstructing the investigation.
The cases will be prosecuted by the Office of Attorney General Drug Strike Force Section. Criminal charges, and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Penn State Responds to Serious Criminal Charges Against Student
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges against 14 individuals, mostly current or former Penn State students, allegedly involved in a criminal narcotics operation in 2023 and 2024 involving two off-campus Greek organizations, Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon.
Immediately after learning of these serious allegations, Penn State is placing Delta Upsilon on interim suspension while the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response investigates. Penn State Student Affairs will be addressing these charges through the individual student conduct process for current students and Delta Upsilon also will be reviewed through the University’s organizational conduct processes. Sigma Chi is not a recognized organization and operates outside of the University’s support and oversight. Student Affairs also is moving quickly to establish additional educational and hazing prevention efforts that can be enhanced 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. “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.”
When the University learns of criminal charges against a recognized student organization or a current student, the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response initiates its own investigation and holds the organization and individuals responsible for misconduct separately from charges filed by law enforcement. This includes disciplinary action up to, and including, permanent separation from the University for both the organizations and individuals involved.
The University’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life has health and safety staff that consistently work with Greek organizations and their members to promote safe behaviors and educate on risk and anti-hazing.