Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges against 14 people, including 13 current or former Penn State students, in connection with an alleged cocaine trafficking ring operating out of two off-campus fraternity houses.
The operation, which authorities say spanned 2023 to 2024, involved the cutting, packaging, and distribution of cocaine primarily to Penn State students. Investigators allege the drugs were transported from Philadelphia and New York to State College, Pennsylvania, where they were processed at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses.
Key Developments:
- Agostino Abbatiello (24) and Thomas Robinson (23), identified as senior members of Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon respectively, are accused of leading the operation. They face felony charges including corrupt organizations, conspiracy, and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity.
- Penn State placed Delta Upsilon on interim suspension, while Sigma Chi is not recognized by the university and operates outside its oversight.
Core Allegations:
According to the Attorney General’s office, the trafficking ring was highly coordinated, with some pledges allegedly cutting and packaging cocaine as part of their fraternity initiation. The drugs were distributed through social networks, fraternity events, and direct sales among students.
Charges and Defendants:
- Four individuals—Abbatiello, Robinson, Mohammed Hurabi, and Lars Zeepvat—face the most severe charges, including felony corrupt organizations and conspiracy.
- Robert Zanolla is charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility.
- Eight other students—Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price, and Charles Wiseman—face misdemeanor counts related to possession and paraphernalia.
- The 14th defendant, the father of a student, is accused of tampering with evidence and obstructing the investigation.
University Response:
Penn State confirmed in a statement that Delta Upsilon has been placed on interim suspension, while Sigma Chi is not an officially recognized organization and operates independently of the university. The school did not comment further on the allegations.
Investigation Details:
Authorities stated that the operation was not confined to campus, with drug packaging occurring exclusively at the off-campus fraternity houses. The Attorney General emphasized that the case represents a regional drug trafficking network, not isolated incidents.
The charges follow a multi-agency investigation led by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. No further updates on the case have been provided at this time.