Two Pennsylvania State University students have been charged in connection with an alleged off-campus cocaine trafficking ring, according to court documents released this week. The Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General filed 14 complaints detailing the operation, which prosecutors allege involved a hierarchical structure within the accused individuals' fraternity networks.
Agostino Abbatiello, 24, of Westbury, New York, turned himself in on Tuesday and was arraigned without bail. He is accused of leading the operation, described by prosecutors as the "top of the food chain." Abbatiello, a Sigma Chi fraternity member and accounting major who made the dean’s list, faces numerous felony charges, including drug trafficking and conspiracy.
Thomas Robinson, 22, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was charged with downstream logistics and distribution. Robinson, a Delta Upsilon fraternity member and human resources major, allegedly used Snapchat to sell cocaine to Penn State students. Detectives relied on a confidential informant who purchased drugs from Robinson, leading to the broader investigation that implicated Abbatiello. Robinson was also arraigned and denied bail.
A third individual, Mohammed Huraibi, 22, of Secaucus, New Jersey, is named in court documents as an early distributor. Huraibi, an accounting/finance major and Delta Upsilon member, reportedly introduced Robinson to Abbatiello. The three initially split the cost of bulk cocaine purchases before Huraibi attempted to exit the partnership, according to prosecutorial filings.
Court documents outline alleged roles and hierarchy
The complaints describe a division of labor within the operation, with Abbatiello at the top, Robinson handling distribution, and Huraibi involved in early-stage logistics. Prosecutors allege the group weighed, packaged, and delivered cocaine to buyers, primarily targeting Penn State students. The use of Snapchat for sales and the reliance on informants were key investigative tools cited in the filings.
All defendants are innocent until proven guilty, and no sentencing dates have been set. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities indicating additional charges or arrests are possible as the case develops.
Background: The investigation and fraternity ties
The alleged operation came to light following a multi-agency investigation led by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. Detectives employed confidential informants to infiltrate the network, culminating in the arrests of Abbatiello and Robinson. The involvement of fraternity members has drawn attention to campus drug enforcement policies and the broader issue of substance abuse among college students.
Penn State officials have not yet publicly commented on the case, and the university’s Office of Student Conduct has not indicated whether disciplinary actions will follow the criminal charges. The fraternities named in the complaints—Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon—have not responded to requests for comment.
Legal and procedural next steps
The arraignments mark the first formal court appearances for the accused. Prosecutors have not disclosed whether plea negotiations are underway. The case is expected to proceed through Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system, with potential penalties including lengthy prison sentences if convictions are secured.
Legal experts note that the use of social media for drug sales and the alleged involvement of multiple fraternity members could complicate the defense strategy. The case also raises questions about the scope of off-campus drug operations and their intersection with university life.