UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - Authorities announced that more than a dozen individuals, including students at Penn State, have been charged in connection with an alleged massive cocaine distribution ring. One of the alleged ringleaders, 24-year-old Agostino Abbatiello, of New York, turned himself in earlier Tuesday, according to the New York Post.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that Abbatiello is among 14 people who are facing charges related to the cocaine trafficking operation where students and two off-campus fraternities were allegedly involved, Fox News reported.
"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.
In the announcement on Monday, August 17, the attorney general said suspects Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson were the main cocaine suppliers. They allegedly made regular trips to Philadelphia and New York to pick up "large quantities" of the illegal drug.
Members of the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternities allegedly cut and packaged the cocaine inside their frat houses and then distributed it to Penn State students, according to investigators. 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.
Additionally, Robert Zanolla has been charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility and related misdemeanors.
Eight more "student-aged defendants" charged are facing misdemeanors for possession and paraphernalia, the attorney general said. Those include Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price and Charles Wiseman.
The attorney general's office confirmed that at least four of the men charged are current Penn State students. "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."
Thomas Robinson's father, Paul Robinson, is charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence and obstructing the investigation.
Penn State University confirmed to Fox News 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."
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."
In a statement sent to Fox News 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."
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