Pennsylvania authorities say a cocaine distribution operation tied to two off-campus fraternities at Penn State has led to a series of arrests, including an alleged ringleader who turned himself in after missing an arraignment and was denied bail. The attorney general outlined a mix of felony and misdemeanor charges spanning corrupt organizations, conspiracy, drug distribution, and obstruction, with at least one family member accused of hiding evidence. Court documents and statements from officials describe travel to cities for large quantities of drugs, on-campus processing, and significant alleged profits. The university has suspended one fraternity and noted that the other is not recognized by the campus.

Babyfaced Kingpin-Alleged Leader of Penn State Fraternity Cocaine Trafficking Ring Turns Himself In

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges against current and former Penn State students and one parent in connection with an alleged cocaine-trafficking operation centered around two fraternity houses. Authorities say 13 students and one father face a range of counts stemming from alleged activity that included transporting, cutting, packaging, and distributing cocaine to other students. The charges include both serious felonies for alleged organizers and lesser misdemeanors for several young defendants described as student-aged participants.

Former student Agostino Abbatiello is identified by prosecutors as the alleged ringleader and initially failed to appear at his scheduled arraignment. After turning himself in, Abbatiello was arraigned and a judge denied bail. “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. These are very serious charges, and the next steps will be preliminary hearings.”

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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.

Prosecutors laid out a tiered structure of alleged wrongdoing, with several named defendants facing the most severe counts. “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.”

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.

Court documents quoted a witness saying the alleged supplier made up to $50,000 through the scheme. Prosecutors say Abbatiello and another defendant traveled off campus to acquire large quantities of cocaine and then returned to two off-campus fraternity houses where the drugs were allegedly cut, packaged, and distributed. Those accounts describe a supply chain stretching from pickups in New York City and Philadelphia back to processing at fraternity locations.

The 24-year-old was an accounting student with a passion for numbers, according to his “About Me” page. A woman unloading groceries into the Westbury home would not answer any questions on Tuesday.

According to the Pennsylvania attorney general, Abbatiello and another defendant, Thomas Robinson, would travel from campus to New York City and Philadelphia “for large quantities of cocaine.” The men would return to the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi off-campus frat houses where the drugs would be cut and packaged by fraternity brothers and pledges, before being distributed to students, officials allege.

Penn State confirmed the Delta Upsilon chapter has been placed on interim suspension while the investigation and prosecutions proceed. Officials also noted the Sigma Chi chapter involved is not recognized by the university and therefore is not subject to campus oversight or support. The school statement frames this as a law enforcement matter being handled through the courts and university disciplinary processes where applicable.

The case brings in both criminal law and campus safety dynamics, with alleged obstructive acts by at least one parent now part of the indictment. Local prosecutors emphasized that preliminary hearings will determine how the court proceeds and that the accused will be afforded due process. Meanwhile, those named face a mix of charges that could carry significant penalties if convictions follow.