14 charged in alleged cocaine trafficking ring tied to Penn State fraternities
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WPVI) -- Fourteen people are facing charges in connection with an alleged cocaine-trafficking operation at Penn State University, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced on Monday.
The AG's office says 13 of the defendants were students at the time this happened in 2023 and 2024. The 14th defendant, the father of one of the students, is charged with tampering with evidence and hindering the investigation.
Authorities say at least four of the individuals charged are current students.
Investigators allege that Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson supplied cocaine, while others cut and packaged the drugs primarily at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses.
"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."
Abbatiello, Robinson, Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat are charged with felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, and related offenses.
A fifth defendant, Robert Zanolla, is charged with felony conspiracy, criminal use of a communication facility and related misdemeanor offenses.
The remaining defendants, all of whom are student-aged, are facing misdemeanor counts of possession and paraphernalia.
According to investigators, the cocaine was distributed to Penn State students.
