Pennsylvania Attorney General charges 14 in cocaine ring linked to two Penn State fraternities

Pennsylvania authorities announced that 14 individuals have been charged in connection with a cocaine-trafficking operation that involved members of two Penn State University fraternities. Former students Agostino Abbatiello, a former Sigma Chi member from Westbury, New York, and Thomas Michael Robinson, a former Delta Upsilon member from Pittsburgh, were identified as the alleged leaders of the ring.

According to the Attorney General’s office, between 2023 and 2024 the two men allegedly coerced fellow fraternity members and pledges to package kilograms of cocaine that had been supplied from Philadelphia and New York. The packaged drugs were then distributed to Penn State students. Three additional alleged dealers – Mohammed Huraibi, Lars Zeepvat and Robert Zanolla – were also named, along with eight former or current students charged with misdemeanor drug offenses.

The only non-student charged is Paul Robinson, the father of Thomas Robinson, who is accused of providing a safe to conceal drugs and cash. Investigators said the packaging took place at off-campus fraternity houses, not on university property.

In a public statement, Penn State University confirmed that the Delta Upsilon fraternity has been placed on immediate interim suspension and that Sigma Chi is not a recognized student organization on campus. > "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."

University officials added that the school will increase health, safety and hazing-education resources for students as the fall semester begins.